Mavericks’ Reggie Bullock receives NBA’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Award

The NBA has announced another awardee for this NBA season.

This time, Dallas Mavericks guard-forward Reggie Bullock is honored with the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award in recognition of his efforts to pursue justice for disadvantaged sectors of society, particularly within the LGBTQI+ community.

Family tragedy gives birth to advocacy

Bullock’s activism began in 2014, after his sister Mia Henderson, a transgender woman, was murdered. He has poured in a lot of his time and effort to help the community become more visible and widely accepted.

The 31-year-old was chosen from five finalists who were viewed as being aligned with Abdul-Jabbar’s vision of empowerment and equality for those who have been historically voiceless and marginalized.

Athletes as advocates

Bullock has utilized his status as an athlete to promote acceptance and inclusion for all, in both local and national activities, with a particular focus on the LGBTQI community. He has been vocal against laws that prevent transgender youths from taking part in sports.

As part of the award, he will receive a $100,000 contribution made on his behalf, to an organization of his choice. He has chosen to donate the amount to Kinston Teens, an organization that aims to empower and develop the youth in his native Kinston in North Carolina.

The other nominees for the honor were Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, and Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet.

The non-winners will receive receive $25,000 contributions to the social justice organizations that they support.