Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the NBA Social Justice Champion award trophy.
Advancing social justice initiatives has been a priority across the NBA for nearly eight decades. It’s in the league’s DNA.
Through the NBA Social Justice Champion Award, which honors NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, players making an impact in equality, empowerment and community advocacy are honored on a national stage. This year’s awardee, Bam Adebayo, demonstrated the principles of leadership and community investment that made him deserving of the honor.
“While advocates for social justice don’t do this work for the recognition, celebrating their efforts inspires others to take action. This year’s committee is composed of leaders who truly embody the spirit of this award,” said Erika Swilley, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association Foundation and a member of the 2026 award’s selection committee.
To better understand the league’s longstanding commitment to social justice, it helps to look back at one of the most significant gatherings in sports history, which was attended by two NBA legends, including the award’s namesake.
The Cleveland Summit
On June 4, 1967, 12 Black athletes and one elected official came together in what is now known as the Cleveland Summit to support Muhammad Ali’s refusal to serve in the Vietnam War.
Two of the athletes in attendance were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell, a pair of basketball’s biggest stars at the time. Their presence not only amplified the message but also underscored how discrimination affects people regardless of status or stature.
"We made people start thinking."@kaj33 reminisced on his 1967 Cleveland Summit experience with Muhammad Ali and Carl Stokes during today's Hall of Legends panel at #NBACrossover.#CavsBHC | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/1VPvuST1YU
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 18, 2022
The gathering set a precedent for modern sports activism, establishing a model for athletes to use their influence and platforms for social change. In October 2023, the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, in partnership with the Cavaliers and the City of Cleveland, dedicated a historical marker at the site of the Cleveland Summit.
“Preserving stories of athlete activism matters as important narratives remind us that sport has never existed in isolation — it has always been a reflection of society and a catalyst for change,” said a member of the 2026 award’s selection committee from the National Museum of African American History & Culture. “By documenting these stories, we ensure that future generations understand not only the challenges faced, but also the courage it takes to utilize their platforms as instruments of progress.”
Kareem continues the good work
Following the summit, Abdul-Jabbar dedicated himself to becoming one of the most recognizable figures in the fight for social justice.
He notably boycotted the 1968 Summer Olympics to protest the rampant racial injustice and systematic inequality in the United States. As his career went on, he expanded his advocacy beyond racial injustice.
In 2009, Abdul-Jabbar founded the Skyhook Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing STEM education opportunities to underserved communities. The foundation’s mission is to “give kids a shot that can’t be blocked,” an ode to Abdul-Jabbar’s signature move.
The NBA legend ultimately received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his humanitarian contributions in 2016.
New stars pushing the mission forward
In its six iterations, the Social Justice Champion Award has consistently reflected the principles Abdul-Jabbar has embodied throughout his life, giving back to something bigger than oneself.
During the 2025-26 season, Adebayo spearheaded 18 social impact and social justice initiatives, investing more than half a million dollars into programs designed to expand access and opportunity for youth and families.
Through the Bam, Books & Brotherhood Foundation, his efforts included providing mattresses, uniforms and school supplies for students at The SEED School of Miami, funding transportation for more than 19,000 students to attend the Miami Book Fair and more.
Carmelo Anthony, the inaugural recipient of the award in 2021, asked Adebayo what it means to receive an honor represented by one of the game’s greats.
“It just means all the people I’ve helped got a voice, and to have this honor is a big deal. I don’t take it for granted,” Adebayo exclaimed. “This award is for a lot of people who can’t speak, and I’m happy we all get to share this award together.”
Pouring into the community every chance he gets ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XQXrrzBNY1
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 22, 2026
Adebayo and past winners of the award continue to inspire young, up-and-coming basketball players, showing them they can make an impact beyond the game.
“Past winners inspire me because it shows that even though they are some of the best players in the world, they use their platform to give back to those in need and be a positive impact,” said Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Court of Leaders member, Cayden Daughtry, who also served on the 2026 award’s selection committee. “That has always been one of the reasons that I want to make it to the league and these older players inspire me even more to reach my goal.”
