Kareem Abdul-Jabbar In 2025: 5 Shocking New Chapters For The NBA Legend (Health, New Book, And Activism)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains one of the most influential and respected figures in American history, transcending his status as an NBA legend to become a formidable voice on social justice and a tireless health advocate. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the 78-year-old icon is not slowing down, making headlines with a major new book, a significant public speaking role, and candid updates on his personal health journey. His current focus is a powerful blend of intellectual pursuit, civil rights activism, and sharing his personal health battles to benefit others.
The man who perfected the "Skyhook" is now leveraging his legendary platform to champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and to encourage open dialogue about health disparities, proving his greatest contributions may still be happening off the court. This article breaks down the most current and essential updates on the life and work of the perennial All-Star.
The Life and Legacy of a Civil Rights Icon: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Biography
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., is universally regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. His career achievements are unparalleled, but his life as an author, historian, and activist is what defines his current legacy.
- Full Name: Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. (Changed to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971)
- Date of Birth: April 16, 1947
- Age (as of 2025): 78
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Height: 7 ft 2 in (2.18 m)
- College: University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- NBA Career: 20 seasons (1969–1989)
- NBA Teams: Milwaukee Bucks (1969–1975), Los Angeles Lakers (1975–1989)
- Major NBA Achievements: 6× NBA Champion, 6× NBA MVP, 19× NBA All-Star, 2× NBA Finals MVP, NBA's all-time leading scorer for 38 years (recently surpassed by LeBron James).
- Post-Basketball Career: Author, columnist, cultural critic, social justice activist, health advocate, and motivational speaker.
- Presidential Honors: Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016).
The New Chapter: A Major Book Release and Public Advocacy in 2025
Abdul-Jabbar’s work in 2025 is heavily focused on his role as a public intellectual and civil rights activist. He continues to use his voice to address pressing societal issues, a commitment that began during his college days as Lew Alcindor when he famously boycotted the 1968 Olympics.
A Powerful New Book: 'We All Want to Change the World'
The most significant new project for Abdul-Jabbar is his book, We All Want to Change the World: My Journey Through Social Justice Movements from the 1960s to Today, which is scheduled for release on May 13, 2025.
This work is a deep dive into his personal journey and a compelling case for standing up for justice in the modern era. Co-authored with Raymond Obstfeld, the book explores the evolution of social justice movements, connecting his experiences from the Civil Rights Movement era to the current political and cultural climate. The book is a testament to his long-standing commitment to activism and social change, and it is expected to be a major literary event, cementing his status as a leading contemporary cultural critic.
Championing DEI and Inspiring the Next Generation
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been a vocal proponent of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. His activism is not just historical; it is current. He recently spoke out against efforts to eliminate DEI programs, making a powerful stand during Jackie Robinson Day at Dodger Stadium. He argues that these initiatives are vital for addressing systemic inequalities and ensuring fair opportunities for all Americans. His willingness to engage in the current political discourse, particularly on sensitive topics like this, highlights his role as a fearless thought leader.
Furthermore, his influence on the next generation remains profound. In a major educational role, Abdul-Jabbar was named the Class Day speaker for the Harvard Class of 2025. He expressed his privilege in sharing the moment and emphasized that the world desperately needs the students' ideas and energy, reinforcing his belief in the power of youth to drive positive change.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Current Health Status and Advocacy
Beyond his intellectual pursuits, Abdul-Jabbar has become a powerful health advocate, using his own serious medical history to raise awareness about health care disparities, particularly for Black Americans. His transparency about his health battles provides a crucial public service.
Recent Hip Replacement Surgery Update
One of the most significant recent updates came after an accidental fall. In late 2024, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar broke his hip while attending The Manhattan Transfer's final concert at Disney Hall in Los Angeles. He was rushed to the hospital and successfully underwent hip replacement surgery. At 76 years old (at the time of the incident), the surgery and subsequent recovery were a major personal challenge, but he has been appreciative of the support and the quick assistance from the Los Angeles Fire Department. His recovery has been closely monitored by fans and the media, a testament to his enduring popularity and the public's concern for the basketball legend.
A History of Health Battles and Public Awareness
Abdul-Jabbar’s advocacy is rooted in his personal experience with multiple serious health conditions. He has openly discussed his diagnoses to encourage others to seek regular medical care and to highlight the need for equitable healthcare access. His primary health battles include:
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Diagnosed in 2008, he has been managing this form of blood cancer for years.
- Prostate Cancer: He revealed his battle with prostate cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection, especially for Black men who face higher risks.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib): He lives with this heart condition, which causes an irregular and often rapid heart rate.
- Coronary Bypass Surgery: He underwent quadruple coronary bypass surgery after being admitted to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center with cardiovascular disease.
By sharing these intimate details, Abdul-Jabbar transforms his personal struggles into a platform for public health education, demonstrating that even a global sports icon is susceptible to serious illnesses and must prioritize medical check-ups. His commitment to this cause is perhaps his most important off-court move in recent years.
The Enduring Legacy of the NBA’s Social Justice Champion
The impact of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on the NBA remains current through the annual Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award. This award, which he inspired, is given to a current NBA player who embodies his lifelong commitment to fighting for social justice. The existence of this award ensures that his principles of activism and advocacy are continually honored and promoted within the league he dominated for two decades. The 2024-25 award was given to Jrue Holiday, demonstrating how Abdul-Jabbar’s name remains synonymous with the intersection of sports and civil rights.
From his iconic "Skyhook" shot to his intellectual writings on history and culture, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s life is a masterclass in evolving influence. As he enters his late 70s, his voice is as powerful and relevant as ever, driving essential conversations about social equity, public health, and the responsibility of celebrity. His upcoming book and continued advocacy work confirm that this basketball legend's second act is proving to be just as impactful as his first.
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