When I was 17, I worked in a mentoring program in Harlem designed to improve the community. That's when I first gained an appreciation of the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African-Americans rose to prominence in American culture. For the first time, they were taken seriously as artists, musicians, writers, athletes, and as political thinkers.
Kareem Abdul-JabbarAs a parent, I have a job as a role model to my children, and by extension, to other young people.
Kareem Abdul-JabbarThe first time I shot the hook, I was in fourth grade, and I was about five feet eight inches tall. I put the ball up and felt totally at ease with the shot. I was completely confident it would go in. I've been shooting it ever since.
Kareem Abdul-JabbarThe transition was difficult. It's hard to stop something that you've enjoyed and that has been very rewarding.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar