Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony has won the NBA's inaugural Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award, the league announced Tuesday.
The honour is dedicated to players who advance "Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged."
"Humbled, honoured and motivated to live up to the namesake of this inaugural award. I can promise that I’ll continue to carry the torch and shine a light in the places that need it most," the 10-time NBA all-star wrote on Twitter after receiving the award.
The four other finalists for the award were Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings, Tobias Harris of the Philadelphia 76ers, Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks and Juan Toscano-Anderson of the Golden State Warriors.
Last July, Anthony partnered with Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul and Miami Heat great Dwyane Wade to create the Social Change Fund, which aims to address social and economic justice issues facing Black communities and break down the discriminatory barriers to success.
Through the fund, Anthony has championed issues such as criminal justice reform and inclusion, human rights for Black lives, expanding access to voting and civic engagement, increasing Black representation in government and building economic equity in communities of colour through investment in education, employment, wages and housing.
Last summer, Anthony served as guest editor-in-chief of SLAM's special Social Justice issue, with all proceeds donated to the Social Change Fund.
Additionally, Anthony partnered with 94-year-old activist Opal Lee to raise awareness for Juneteenth and advocated for it to become a U.S. holiday, which came to fruition when it was signed into law earlier this month. Anthony, who also serves on the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, also helped spearhead the launch of the Trail Blazers Racial Injustice Initiative, which has provided more $200,000 to fight systemic racism.
For his win, Anthony received $100,000 to put toward a cause of his choosing, for which he has selected the Portland Art Museum’s Black Arts and Experiences Initiative.
