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The Evolution of Activism in the NBA
From Racial Activism to Philanthropy -
Cultural Change: First Black NBA Player plays in his first game
Earl Lloyd becomes the first African-American to play in an NBA game after he plays in the season opener for the Washington Capitals. Up until that point, the league had been composed exclusively of white players. This signified a shift in the NBA and culturally in society towards being more open toward non-white ethnicities. -
Political Change: First instance of a game being boycotted
In Lexington, KY, Celtics players Sam Jones and Tom Sanders are denied the right to eat in a cafe. Because of this, the entire team decides to boycott their preseason exhibition game. One of the first examples of NBA Players trying to influence political change by boycotting a game. They are trying to make political change and have segregation be eliminated. Unfortunately, this would not happen until the Civil Rights Act of 1964. -
Political Change: The Civil Rights Act of 1964
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It outlaws all discrimination based on race, colour, religion, sex, and national origin. It prohibits any unequal treatment based on any of the aforementioned factors. -
Cultural Change: After the NBA becomes majority African-American, Michael Jordan is one of the most popular athletes of all time
Because of his high level of skill and marketability, Michael Jordan becomes the most popular player in the history of the NBA. This shows a striking contrast after African-Americans did not even play in the league until 1950. -
Economic Change: Russell Westbrook establishes the "Why Not?" Foundation
The foundation aims to "empower under-resourced communities", with a focus on providing financial literacy services to people in those communities. -
Economic Change: Lebron James opens the I Promise School, in Akron, OH
In 2018, Lebron James opened the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron. The school primarily serves at-risk children (children who do not perform well in school/have unstable home lives). He has said that he opened the school so he could give back to his community, and provide children with the chance at a quality education that he missed out on. -
Political Change: NBA players speak out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement
After the killing of George Floyd by Minnesota police, there were protests all over the world. Many NBA players, such as Lebron James, Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon, and others spoke out in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Some attended protests, and almost every player in the league did something to raise awareness to the issue, especially during the COVID-19 NBA bubble of 2020.