NBA Announces Finalists for Social Justice Champion Award - Times News Global
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NBA Announces Finalists for Social Justice Champion Award

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Nba Social Justice Champion Finalists 2024

NEW YORK — The NBA revealed the five finalists for the 2024-25 NBA Social Justice Champion Award on April 23, 2025. The finalists include Bam Adebayo of the Miami HEAT, Harrison Barnes from the San Antonio Spurs, Chris Boucher from the Toronto Raptors, Jrue Holiday of the Boston Celtics, and CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans.

The award honors an NBA player who actively pursues social justice and champions the legacy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, aiming to empower historically disadvantaged groups. The winner will be announced during the NBA Playoffs and receive the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar trophy along with a $100,000 donation to a justice-focused organization of their choice.

The selection committee, led by NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, included social justice advocates such as NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and civil rights leader Dr. Richard Lapchick. This year marks the fifth for this committee.

Bam Adebayo has significantly impacted his community, donating over $50,000 through his Bam, Books and Brotherhood Foundation. His contributions include support for the Liberty City Youth Center and numerous educational initiatives in underserved areas.

Harrison Barnes demonstrated his commitment to social equality by donating $250,000 to AlamoPROMISE, a tuition-free program for students at St. Philip’s College. His charity work also included contributions to UNICEF USA and local nonprofit organizations.

Chris Boucher, with his SlimmDuck Foundation, has focused on youth empowerment, providing scholarships and mental health initiatives to over 1,000 young people in Toronto and Montreal.

Jrue Holiday, alongside his wife Lauren, established the Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator, which supports underrepresented entrepreneurs. Their JLH Fund has allocated over $5.3 million in grants to foster economic empowerment.

CJ McCollum has been instrumental in raising awareness about social justice issues within the New Orleans Pelicans organization, fostering community engagement and supporting local youth mentorship programs.

The recipient of the 2024-25 NBA Social Justice Champion Award will be announced soon, commemorating their dedication to advancing social justice.

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