The NBA recently announced the creation of the Kareem Abdul- Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award.
The award will be given annually to recognize a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and upholding the values of equality, respect, and inclusion.
After retiring from the NBA, Abdul-Jabber founded the Skyhook Foundation to help bring STEM programs to underprivileged children.
“Giving kids a shot that can not be blocked,” said Kareem Abdul Jabbar
In line with this initiative, they created their flagship program called “Camp Skyhook,” an immersive experience that makes learning exciting by bringing outdoors to 4th and 5th graders, giving them a hands-on experience that inspires them towards STEM.
The curriculum was developed by UCLA and NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center. The program boasts a 95% graduation rate, with more than 15,000 students passing through the program so far. Abdul Jabbar raised more than about 3 million dollars in charity this year as well.
Kareem Abdul Jabber is also a six-time NBA Champion Hall of Famer who played 20 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. Kareem established himself as one of history’s most prolific scorers with his unblockable skyhook.
He eventually went to 14 finals and winning 5 NBA Champions. Retiring at age 42 in 1989, he was the NBA’s all-time scoring champion.
Having scored more than 38,000 points with 1074 career wins. Abdul Jabber remains the all-time leader in points scored, and career wins.
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion winner will select an organization to receive a $100,000 contribution on his behalf. The other four finalists will each select an organization to receive a $25,000 contribution.
All 30 NBA teams will choose a single player from their roster to be the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion. The finalists and winners will then be selected by a committee composed of league executives, NBA legends, and social justice leaders.
“I’m honored and grateful to be associated with this award that will recognize the dedicated and selfless people fighting to promote social justice for all marginalized people,” said Abdul-Jabbar in a statement. “To me, it’s another giant step in the right direction for the country and all people who value equality,” said Abdul-Jabbar.
