The NBA announced five finalists to obtain the Kareem Abdul -Jabbar Social Justice Cham ion Award. The NBA announced today that Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony, Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, and The Golden State Warriors Juan Toscano-Anderson, have been selected as the five finalists to obtain the first Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award.
The new annual award, named after six-time NBA champion and Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame member Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, recognizes a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and promoting life’s mission. of Abdul-Jabbar to engage, empower and advance equality for individuals and groups who have historically been marginalized or systematically disadvantaged.
The finalists were chosen from a huge pool of nominees who have championed the league’s values of equality, respect and inclusion for decades. The five players seeking the trophy were determined by a selection committee made up of Abdul-Jabbar, prominent social justice leaders, including the director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport, Dr. Richard Lapchick, the student activist Teyonna Lofton, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial; Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS; Rise Founder and CEO Amanda Nguyen; and Mark Tatum, NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer.
As previously announced, each finalist has selected an organization focused on promoting social justice that will receive a contribution on their behalf. The winner’s selection will receive a donation of $ 100,000 and the other four finalists will each receive a contribution of $ 25,000 to a social justice organization of their choice. The winner will be announced prior to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Here’s more information on the finalists, including their respective selected grantees and efforts, and additional details on the selection committee.
