Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday has been honored as the 2024–25 NBA Social Justice Champion, receiving the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy in recognition of his sustained work to advance equity and justice.
In conjunction with the award, the NBA will donate $100,000 to the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLH Fund), an organization Holiday co-founded with his wife to combat systemic racism and support underserved communities.
Holiday was chosen from a group of five finalists for exemplifying Abdul-Jabbar’s lifelong commitment to advocacy, empowerment, and equality. His impact stretches far beyond the court.
Since its launch, the JLH Fund has awarded over $5.3 million in grants and provided over 400 hours of mentorship and coaching to nearly 200 businesses across the country.
The Fund was initially fueled by Holiday’s bold pledge to donate the remainder of his 2020 NBA salary – $5 million – to fight racial and economic injustice. Recently, it also helped mobilize aid for families affected by the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
Jrue Holiday continues his advocacy as a board member of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, where he collaborates with other players, owners, and league leadership to push for systemic changes in criminal justice, voting access, and community safety.
Among the JLH Fund’s newest initiatives is the Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator, launched in partnership with Boston Xchange, a venture founded by Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown.
This program supports local entrepreneurs and creators from underrepresented backgrounds with up to $100,000 in grants, tailored coaching, and connections to institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Suffolk University.
It’s a reflection of Holiday’s broader mission to use philanthropy and creative capital to uplift communities and foster generational opportunity.
“Since entering the league, Jrue Holiday has dedicated himself to helping others in their times of greatest need and pursuing a more just society for all,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum.
“The selflessness that defines his game is even more evident in the work he and his wife Lauren do off the floor to create more opportunities for a generation of youth who might have otherwise been overlooked.”
Other finalists for this year’s Social Justice Champion award included Bam Adebayo (Miami HEAT), Harrison Barnes (San Antonio Spurs), Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors), and CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans).
Past recipients of the award include Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Bullock, Stephen Curry, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Jrue Holiday Named 24-25 NBA Social Justice Champion https://t.co/LZqbtrNz7g
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 7, 2025
