Founder, Skyhook Foundation

The Basketball Hall of Famer saw his all-time NBA regular-season scoring record eclipsed recently by LeBron James, but many in the media seized the moment to point out that Abdul-Jabbar’s social justice activism will be his true legacy. The former Lakers and UCLA star, who turned 76 in April, fuels his Skyhook Foundation to promote STEM education with inner-city children in the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 2021, the NBA created the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award for players who pursue social justice and DEI causes. He is the author of 17 books, most of which explore often-overlooked African-American history.

YEARS ON THE LA500: 1