Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James was given the NAACP Jackie Robinson Sports Award prior to Wednesday’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, becoming the first person in 18 years to receive the honour.
The award is presented for high achievement in athletics and contributions in the pursuit of social justice, civil rights and community involvement, according to the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). It’s named after Jackie Robinson, who broke the MLB colour barrier in 1947.
“It just puts a lot of things in perspective,” James said to media before scoring 27 points to help the Cavs to a 125-97 win Wednesday. “So appreciative that they would even want me to be a recipient of the award.”
James, who founded the LeBron James Family Foundation in 2004, has become known for his charitable efforts over his 14-year NBA career. He’s also been outspoken on social issues, including topics such as racism, police brutality and the U.S. Presidential election.
Past recipients of the award have included Michael Jordan, Jim Brown, Sugar Ray Leonard and Jackie Joyner-Kersee, among others.
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