NBA champion Hodges to discuss racial inequality

Before Colin Kaepernick, there were other black athletes who sacrificed their profession for their beliefs.

You're invited to join two-time NBA champion Craig Hodges to hear how he believes advocating for social change caused his basketball career to end prematurely. The lecture is from 12-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Student Center, Room 1530, at Oakton Community College's Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines.

During the discussion, which is free, Hodges will share his story as detailed in his recent book, "Long Shot: The Triumphs and Struggles of an NBA Freedom Fighter."

In the book, Hodges is quoted as saying, "My freedom of expression has serious limits - limits that would cost me my livelihood."

The event is sponsored by Oakton's Center for Campus Inclusion and Diversity, Black History and Culture Committee, and Athletics department.

"It is widely believed that Craig was ostracized by the NBA for publicly speaking out against racial and economic inequality," says Oakton's Director of Student Life and Campus Inclusion Rick Daniels, who is also a member of the Black History and Culture Committee.

"It is our hope that Craig's talk will inspire others to think critically about what it means to stand up for what you believe in, no matter the cost."

A three-point specialist, Hodges played in the NBA for 10 years and won two championships with the Chicago Bulls in 1991 and 1992. His NBA credentials also include winning three consecutive three-point shootout contests at the NBA All-Star Weekend (1990-1992). However, after the 1992 season, Hodges was released by the Bulls and never played in the NBA again.

For information, contact Daniels at sdaniels@oakton.edu.

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