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Melo Wins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Award
By Shane Farias / FM Hip Hop
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and Portland Trailblazers forward Carmelo Anthony is the inaugural winner of the NBA’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award. The announcement, made on Tuesday, came less than two months after the creation of the award. According to the NBA, the 10-time All-Star was selected “for his dedication over the past year to pursuing social justice.”
Last year Anthony, along with Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul and NBA legend Dwayne Wade, created the Social Change Fund. The fund “aims to address social and economic justice issues facing Black communities and break down the discriminatory barriers to success.”
The winner also chooses an organization toward which to give a sizable donation. This year the Portland Art Museum’s Black Arts and Experiences Initiative receives a $100,000 contribution, on behalf of Anthony.
“It’s such an honor,” Anthony told ESPN’s The Undefeated. “I’m lucky to be part of a league full of players who are equally as passionate about making a difference. So, I’m truly humbled to be recognized by Kareem and the selection committee.”
Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer as well as a six-time champion, and his fight for equality and positive change is something that we can all get behind.
This is a commendable award, well deserving of recognition in the highest regard.
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