Napili si Portland Trail Blazers forward Carmelo Anthony bilang kauna-unahang winner ng NBA Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award.
Kinilala ng NBA si Anthony, ang 10-time NBA All-Star na isa ring entrepreneur at philanthropist, dahil sa dedikasyon nito sa pagsusulong ng social justice issues.
“For his dedication over the past year to pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged,” bahagi pa nang pagkilala kay Anthony.
Ang iba pang apat na finalists sa award ay sina Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday at Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson.
Sa panalo ni Anthony napili niya ang Portland Art Museum’s Black Arts and Experiences Initiative na makakatanggap ng premyo na $100,000.
Sina Barnes naman, Harris, Holiday at Toscano-Anderson ay makaktanggap din ng $25,000 ang mga charity na kanilang mapipili.
Para naman kay Anthony malaking karangalan ang pagpili sa kanya.
“I’m truly humbled to be recognized by Kareem and the selection committee,” ani Anthony sa statement sa ESPN. “It’s my hope that this award encourages others to help uplift those who have been historically marginalized or systematically disadvantaged, and do their part in making equality and justice for all.”
