Finalists for the NBA social justice champion will donate a combined $200,000 to social justice organizations of their choice, with the winner’s organization receiving $100,000.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a new annual social justice champion award, naming it after Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The league will select a player after each season who demonstrates a commitment to bringing awareness to social justice and inequalities. NBA clubs will nominate one player for the award, and finalists of the group will donate a combined $200,000 to social justice organizations.
The finalists will be selected by a committee that includes former NBA players, league executives and social justice leaders. The league said it would announce the first recipient during its postseason, which starts next week.
“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.”
