APB Speaker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom
18 Nov 2016
Widely recognized for his legendary athletic career as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a six-time NBA champion, APB speaker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will soon add the Presidential Medal of Freedom to his impressive resume.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor and is awarded to individuals who have made exceptionally admirable contributions to the national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural endeavors. Obama announced the recipients, saying, “these 21 individuals have helped push America forward, inspiring millions of people around the world along the way.” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be honored alongside other influential recipients, including Ellen DeGeneres, Bill and Melinda Gates, Michael Jordan, Tom Hanks and Cicely Tyson. The awards will be presented at the White House on November 22nd.
Using his national platform to advocate for social justice, Abdul-Jabbar is a regular contributing columnist for The Washington Post and Time magazine, as well as a New York Times best-selling author. His HBO documentary, Kareem: Minority of One, debuted as HBO’s most watched and highest rated sports documentary of all time. Additionally, he serves as the chairman to his Skyhook Foundation, which brings educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities through outdoor environmental learning with the mission to “Give Kids a Shot That Can’t Be Blocked.”