Source: CBS News

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Revisits His Long History of Activism

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the legendary figure in basketball with six NBA championships, is now focusing on an equally important mission beyond the court—advocating for social justice. In a recent interview on CBS Mornings, Abdul-Jabbar reflected on his decades-long activism and the pivotal moments that motivated him to use his platform for change.

A Passion for Activism

In his new book, “We All Want to Change the World,” Abdul-Jabbar explores the history of racial inequality in the U.S. and how significant protest movements have inspired him. He believes strongly that freedom, justice, and equality should be accessible to all, not just a select few. “We can’t give up,” he emphasized during his interview.

• His journey began during his collegiate years at UCLA, where he was not just a star basketball player but also a vocal advocate for civil rights.
• Abdul-Jabbar remembers demonstrating on campus after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recalls the disbelief from peers who questioned why he was taking a stand.

Key Influences on Abdul-Jabbar’s Activism

Abdul-Jabbar credits several key figures and events as influences on his activism:

• Icons like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. served as powerful inspirations that ignited his resolve to fight for social justice.
• He notably boycotted the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, a decision driven by the Cleveland Summit, where he joined other Black athletes to support Muhammad Ali’s stand against the Vietnam War.

“Muhammad Ali was a friend; I had a lot of respect for his courage,” he said, highlighting the impacts of racial discrimination that Ali faced, even after earning an Olympic gold medal.

Taking Action Despite Opposition

Throughout his activism, Abdul-Jabbar has faced significant backlash, including death threats from the age of 17. However, he remains undeterred, stating, “Certain things needed to be said, and I decided that I would say them.” This unwavering commitment to civil rights has shaped not only his legacy in sports but also his impact on American society.

In addressing recent political events, he has been a vocal critic of the former President Donald Trump and the January 6 Capitol riots, insisting that the nation has considerable work ahead. Abdul-Jabbar is adamant that real change is necessary, stating, “We’re going to have a lot of work to do whenever the nation comes to its senses.”

Conclusion

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s journey from NBA legend to social justice advocate serves as a profound reminder of the importance of using one’s voice for equality and justice. His latest work, “We All Want to Change the World,” not only recounts his personal experiences but also sheds light on the broader fight against racial inequality in America.

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, social justice, activism, civil rights, NBA, equality, racial inequality, Muhammad Ali, CBS Mornings, We All Want to Change the World