Event Calendar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's journey from Catholic schoolboy to world-class athlete, social activist, and best-selling author was guided by a series of well-meaning mentors. Based on Kareem's autobiography, Becoming Kareem, this exciting and poignant evening showcased Kareem's top 7 mentors and the most important lessons he learned from each. In some cases, the lessons learned were not the ones intended but were a reaction to what Kareem saw as a flaw in the teaching. From the schoolyard to the basketball court to the streets of America's civil rights marches to the stages of Hollywood, we listened and learned from the moments that have inspired one man's incredible journey.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer, a six-time NBA champion and the league's only 6x MVP. Before leaving office, President Barack Obama awarded Abdul-Jabbar The Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. After 50 years as an athlete and activist, he offers his perspectives as a nationally recognized author and speaker as well as currently serves as the chairman of his Skyhook Foundation whose mission is to "Give Kids a Shot That Can't be Blocked" by bringing educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities through innovative outdoor environmental learning. A NY Times best-selling author, he has written 15 books, including two recent memoirs: "Becoming Kareem" for young readers, and "Coach Wooden and Me" about his lifelong friendship with famed UCLA coach John Wooden. His Emmy Award-winning HBO Sports documentary, Kareem: Minority of One, debuted as HBO's most watched and highest rated sports documentary of all time. The evening was moderated by Deborah Morales, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Iconomy, and longtime business manager and strategist for Mr. Abdul-Jabaar.