In his new book, "We All Want to Change the World," Kareem Abdul-Jabbar recounts how the fight for racial justice from the civil rights era to today influenced his path from NBA icon to outspoken author and advocate.

Los Angeles

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former NBA player and current author, has detailed how decades of activism for racial equality have shaped his life and career. In his new book, "We All Want to Change the World," Abdul-Jabbar describes the influence of civil rights icons and pivotal events such as Rosa Parks, Emmett Till, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the Harlem race riots. He attributes his passion for activism to these historical figures and experiences.

Abdul-Jabbar’s advocacy began during his college years at UCLA, where he led the basketball team to three consecutive NCAA championships. He recalls participating in protests following the assassination of Dr. King, noting that he faced questions about his involvement given his future in professional basketball. He said these experiences led him to prioritize speaking out for social justice, regardless of his career path.

One significant moment in his activist journey was his decision to boycott the 1968 Olympics, influenced by his participation in the Ali Summit. There, he joined other Black athletes in supporting Muhammad Ali’s refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. Abdul-Jabbar explained that witnessing the treatment of Ali after winning an Olympic gold medal—returning to a segregated Louisville—deepened his commitment to fighting for equal opportunities.

Abdul-Jabbar has acknowledged the personal risks of activism, stating he has received regular death threats since he was 17. Despite this, he continues to voice his opinions, including his criticism of former President Trump and the events at the US Capitol over four years ago. He emphasized that the pursuit of freedom, justice, and equality remains ongoing.

Known for his success on the basketball court, where he won six NBA championships, Abdul-Jabbar’s impact extends beyond sports. Former teammates, including Magic Johnson, remember his wit and sense of humor alongside his political advocacy. Abdul-Jabbar writes that while basketball defined him, his years as a writer have refined him, reinforcing his dedication to social justice.



Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shares how activism shaped his legacy

delving into decades of fighting for racial equality. Kareem Abdul Jabbar reveals how protest movements shaped him. Sometimes I picture these influences on my development as a movie adaptation of Frankenstein. Reading from his new book, we all want to change the world. Abdul Jabbar vividly describes how civil rights icons and events Rosa Parks, Emmett Till, Dr. King, the Harlem race riots ignited his passion for activism. When the switch was thrown in a lightning course through me, it not only fused all those parts into one walking giant representation of black history, but it also energized me to continue to fight for more than 50 years. He's been pushing for social justice. It began here at U. C. L. A. While leading the Bruins to three straight N. C. Double A. Championships. I remember after Dr King was assassinated, I was demonstrating on campus and more than one person stopped to say, what are you demonstrating about? You're gonna be playing in the NBA. What's the issue? I was just appalled at his ignorance. He decided then to stand up and speak out. It's important for me and my family and for our country. Didn't matter what your career path looked like. At that point, you were about doing what's right for humanity, right? And something that really affected me emotionally. Certain things needed to be said, and I decided that I would save him protesting racial injustice. He boycotted the 1968 Olympics, a decision influenced by the Ali summit, where he and other prominent black athletes supported Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. Muhammad Ali was a friend of mine, somebody I had a lot of respect for his courage and his talent as an athlete. And he saw what happened after Ali came home with a gold medal to a still segregated Louisville, Kentucky. He goes and represents the U. S. In Rome and is outstanding, but he can't buy a sandwich. They said it wasn't anything personal, but he couldn't get served. That indignity inspired Abdul Jabbar to become an activist, pushing for equal opportunities. But it put a target on his back. Since I believe you were 17, you've been getting death threats. Is that right? Yeah, I get him pretty regularly. Still, still. It's like I'm a lightning rod at times. Do you like that? If I have a point to make, I do. But when I'm being picked on for no good reason, I resent it. These days, he's an outspoken critic of President Trump and the events that took place at the U. S. Capitol a little more than four years ago. Do you feel like we're going two steps back instead of moving forward? Yeah, we're gonna have a lot of work to do whenever the nation comes to its senses. I'm sure of that. With his signature sky hook, he dominated the game for 20 years, winning six NBA championships. And while fans followed his stoic intensity on the court, his teammates saw another side. A lot of people know you, of course, as a prolific thinker, writer. But I think a lot of people don't know you so much as the jokester. But your teammates remember that side of you and Magic Johnson was one of them. I get to see the laughter, the witty. You know, he plays practical jokes on everybody. You know, you sleep and he might put paper in your mouth paper in the mouth. Do you do that often on the flights? Well, I could. Yeah, the two remained friends to this day. This activist and author continues to share his wit and political opinions. Kareem writes. My years as a basketball player defined me, but my years as a writer refined me. Freedom, justice and equality are for all of us. So you can't give up.

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