Kareem Abdul-Jabbar promotes book, taking action on social issues

From his stance above most mere mortals, 7-foot, 2-inch tall social commentator and NBA all-time scoring leader Kareem Abdul-Jabbar says we all need to take a broader view of the world.

Promoting his newest of eleven books, “Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and White,” Abdul-Jabbar spoke on broad topics of politics, race, class and equality to a few hundred Thursday at an Anderson's Bookshop event at North Central College in Naperville.

The federal government is in gridlock, Abdul-Jabbar said. The education system is suffering. Poverty is pervasive. And too often, Americans see only their own struggles, strive only for their own goals.

“We can't just limit our care to the things that affect us as individuals,” he said. “We have to have a vision that enables us to see how things that we do and advocate for affect all of society.”

During a discussion moderated by Chicago Sun-Times film critic Richard Roper, Abdul-Jabbar gave a glimpse into how the 69-year-old New York City native came to find such a wide view of the world.

As a high school student, Abdul-Jabbar said he considered becoming a history teacher or going to law school.

“I'm glad I didn't have to figure that out,” he told the crowd. “Basketball enabled me to do something interesting and have a career as an athlete.”

He attended the University of California Los Angeles, where he studied English and played basketball under coach John Wooden, whom he says was about more than the game.

“It was about my future,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “He wanted his players to get their degrees and be good husbands, good fathers and good citizens. That was what he was about.”

Abdul-Jabbar then built his pro career for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers, skyhooking his way to greatness and racking up six NBA championships, six MVP awards and 19 All-Star game appearances. All the while, he kept a social conscience about him, especially after he changed his name and converted to Islam in the late 1960s.

Answering a girl's question from the audience Thursday, he explained why he chose Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as his name instead of Lew Alcindor.

The words in his chosen name mean “noble or generous servant of the most powerful,” he said. “I try to live up to that.”

Part of that effort involves speaking out about social issues and composing books like “Writings on the Wall,” which went on sale Tuesday.

His latest publication offers ways people can come together against the fears and anxieties that cause division along lines of race, religion, gender. He said looking to the nation's Founding Fathers — something he enjoys doing as a history buff — gives one example of how to compromise among factions for the greater good.

“Americans, no matter whether they're Republicans or Democrats, we need that (compromise),” he said. “We need our legislators to be working for us to make America a better place.”

Abdul-Jabbar said he applauds professional athletes for beginning to take more of a stand. He mentioned the statement at the ESPY awards by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, who spoke against social injustices including police shootings of African-Americans and the killing of police officers.

After he attended the Democratic National Convention last month, Abdul-Jabbar said he advises more of today's athletes to speak their minds, even though it risks pushback from others — including their corporate sponsors — who may not agree.

“I think the fact that they apply their economic clout to problems and issues of our country will definitely make a difference,” he said about current pros. “People respect them, admire them and seem to think what they're talking about might have some validity.”

He told the crowd of basketball fans that sure, the game has changed. The introduction of the three-point shot has led more to take it, despite its low percentage nature. But it's also led to the birth of a “three-point artist” in Stephen Curry and others who are creating new enthusiasm.

“Basketball will always be a game for tall guys,” he said, drawing some laughs. “And maybe there will even be smart guys.”