Fred VanVleet named named finalist for the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice champion award
Some exciting and well-deserved news for the All Star who just missed out on All-Defense Second Team.
The Toronto Raptors have a social justice team council, and VanVleet is the leader there. He led the team during the protests during the bubble, and he was one of the leaders of the league there, as well. His efforts have been numerous in enacting positive and tangible change.
VanVleet has worked to make education in Toronto more equitable, creating an academic scholarship for Black and Indigenous students. He also provides students with support to help catalyze academic success. His new podcast, Bet on Yourself, helps support BIPOC entrepreneurs. From their own description: “Bet on Yourself is all about finding companies that present Fred and Derek with a double bottom line opportunity, meaning the hosts are on the hunt for companies and businesses that not only have the potential for monetary growth, but are also likely to affect culture in a positive way. Using their collective skills as masters of hustle, entrepreneurship, branding, finance and e-commerce, they will support business owners with insight, motivation and real talk.”
VanVleet has never hidden his intention to use his skills and platforms as an NBA star to better the world around him. This season marked in many ways a step forward for Toronto’s star. He is the team leader on and off the court, and that extends to his philosophical dedication to philanthropy. The Raptors are lucky to have him, and being named as one of the five finalists for the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice champion award only marks what we already know on that account.
Fred VanVleet named named finalist for the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice champion award originated on Raptors Republic.