Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trail Blazers forward, is the inaugural recipient of the NBA's Karem Abdul-Jabbar social justice champion award. It was announced Tuesday.The NBA stated that Anthony, a 10-time NBA All-Star and entrepreneur, was chosen "for his dedication in the past year to pursue social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage and empower individuals and groups who are historically marginalized or systems disadvantaged."Anthony said via email that it was an honor to be part of ESPN's The Undefeated. "I feel lucky to be a part of a league that is passionate about making a difference. Kareem and his selection committee truly honored me. I hope this award inspires others to uplift those who are historically marginalized or systematically handicapped, and does their part to make justice and equality for all.The award was also presented to Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers, Harrison Barnes of Sacramento Kings, and Jrue Holiday from Milwaukee Bucks. Juan Toscano, a Golden State Warriors forward, were also finalists.On May 13, the NBA announced the creation the Karem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award. This award was established to honor a player who "pursuing social justice" and upholding the league’s long-standing values of equality and respect.Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA's six-time champion, is the league's all-time top scorer and is a member of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Abdul-Jabbar, a former Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers star, is known for inspiring reflection and social change.Anthony was the winner and was able select Portland Art Museum's Black Arts and Experiences Initiative to receive a $100,000 donation on his behalf. ToscanoAnderson, Holiday, Barnes and Harris will each receive $25,000 to donate to their charity of choice.Anthony and Abdul-Jabbar will soon be designing the trophy, drawing inspiration from their respective visions. They'll work with a team consisting of emerging designers, drawn from diverse backgrounds, from the Marcus Graham Project, a national organization that received an inaugural NBA Foundation grant to help them develop the next generation of leaders in the advertising, media, and marketing industries through mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities.Anthony, a six time all-NBA selection, said that "Kareem" is an all-around hero. His contributions on the court and off it are second-level. He has made it his mission in life to fight for equality and to bring about positive changes in society. He is a leader and inspires others. Kareem considered me a finalist in this award. It was an honor.Anthony formed the Social Change Fund in July 2020 with Dwyane Wade, former NBA star, and Chris Paul, Phoenix Suns guard, to address social and economic justice issues faced by Black communities. It also breaks down discriminatory barriers to success.The proceeds of the Social Change Fund were donated for support to organizations that work on critical issues affecting Black communities.Anthony is a champion for criminal justice reform and inclusion. He also advocates for the human rights and dignity of all Black people.Anthony was also the guest editor-in-chief of SLAM magazine’s special Social Justice issue. It featured Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell, former NBA stars, and Sheryl Swoopes, former WNBA players.Anthony also worked with Opal Lee, a 94-year old activist, in March to increase awareness about Juneteenth and to advocate for the day becoming a national holiday. Former Syracuse star is featured in a criminal reform campaign by the Vera Institute of Justice.Anthony, 37 years old, was instrumental in the creation of Trail Blazers Racial Injustice Initiative. This initiative provided funding for more than $200,000 to organizations fighting systemic race.Anthony stated that "Giving back to and working to improve communities like those I grew up with has always been central to me," and that everything he has accomplished off the court was a culmination a lifetime of witnessing injustices. While the last year has brought more attention to the inequalities facing many people on a global scale, these are not new problems. Although progress is being made, it doesn't mean that change will happen overnight. Each of us must do our part in creating a future where everyone is accepted as they are regardless of their skin color, gender, religion, or income level. Let's celebrate the many things we have in common as humans, and not dwell on the differences which have separated us for far too long.National Basketball Social Justice Coalition director has also worked with the Carmelo Anthony Foundation on social reform. Anthony's memoir "Where Tomorrows Aren’t Promised," which is due out in May, delves into Anthony's childhood and highlights economic, social, and health inequalities in communities of color.Anthony was selected for the Karem Abdul-Jabbar Social justice Champion award by a selection panel that included Abdul-Jabbar, the director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport Dr. Richard Lapchick and Teyonna Lofton, president and CEO of the National Urban League; Janet Murgua, UnidosUS president and chief executive officer Janet Murgua; Amanda Nguyen, Rise Founder and CEO; and Mark Tatum (nBA deputy commissioner and COO).Morial stated that Carmelo Anthony stands on Kareem AbdulJabbar's shoulders by demonstrating how social justice and racial equity are essential to the 21st Century NBA. He is a role model to the next generation of players, who will be energized to speak loudly and act clearly during this momentous time in American history.
