Sports Illustrated will be awarding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brown, and Bill Russell with the Muhammad Ali Legacy Award.
The award will be presented to the men for their leadership in social activities. This goes right in line with Jabbar who was recently honored by the POTUS with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in mid-November.
He is also a U.S. Cultural Ambassador which allows him to travel and present his messages of education, tolerance, and cultural awareness around the world.
When learning about the award presentation, Abdul-Jabbar released a statement to Sports Illustrated.
“Muhammad Ali was both a friend and a personal inspiration to me as an athlete and as an activist. To receive an award in his name is especially moving because it means I am honoring his legacy as a man who defied conventions and courageously risked life and career to making America a land of freedom, equal opportunity, and social justice.”
Not only is he a basketball legend, but he is also making significant impact on people've lives long after his NBA career ended.
Bill Russell, who also had an established NBA career ending with 11 championships, was the first ever African-American NBA coach, and the first one to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 and was a very passionate civil rights activist. Russell was also a pioneer for what we now see in today's NBA, and remains a standard for excellence among players through generations.
The Celtic legend also released a statement to Sports Illustrated when told he would be presented an award.
“To be a true influence of positive change in the world often means that you have to stand up against injustice and fight through adversity. I am honored to be recognized alongside some of the great cultural icons of our time who have used their platforms to fight for civil rights and social justice, regardless of the risk, including my good friend Muhammad Ali to whom the award is dedicated. Our work has just begun.”
The award presentation will be held at the SI Sportsperson of the Year celebration, where other sports figures such as LeBron James and coach Mike Krzyzewski will also be honored for their achievements.
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