By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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Rockford native Fred VanVleet is one of five finalists for the NBA’s 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award.
The Auburn High School graduate was recognized for his work creating scholarships that support equity in education, giving away hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies and for shining a light on up-and-coming entrepreneurs with his Bet On Yourself podcast.
“Fred VanVleet has been a leader and champion around social justice, inspiring teammates to find their own voice in his pursuit,” the NBA wrote in its official release Monday about the finalists.
VanVleet is in the process of creating an additional scholarship in Rockford, and he’s planning for the next season of the podcast.
The annual award recognizes an NBA player for pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s mission to engage and empower groups who have been historically marginalized or disadvantaged. The winner will receive a $100,000 donation for a social justice organization of his choosing. VanVleet has selected Penny Appeal Canada, a nonprofit that works to help vulnerable communities around the world.
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Reggie Bullock (@ReggieBullock35), Jrue Holiday (@Jrue_Holiday11), Jaren Jackson Jr. (@jarenjacksonjr), Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) and Fred VanVleet (@FredVanVleet) have been selected as the five finalists for the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #SocialJusticeChampion award. pic.twitter.com/e7YteI0g7W
— NBA (@NBA) May 16, 2022
The other finalists are Dallas Mavericks guard Reggie Bullock, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns.
The winner will be announced during the Western Conference Finals on TNT.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.