What Was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Name Before He Changed It?
Introduction
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the most iconic figures in the history of basketball, is known for his extraordinary skills, scoring ability, and longevity in the sport. However, what many people may not know is that he changed his name from his birth name, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This article aims to explore the reasons behind this name change, its significance in his life and career, and its impact on the perception of his identity.
The Name Change
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was born on April 16, 1947, in New York City. His birth name, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor, was a reflection of his parents’ backgrounds. His father, Ferdinand Alcindor, was of Haitian descent, while his mother, Lucille Lewis, was of African American and Native American descent. However, as Abdul-Jabbar grew up, he became increasingly aware of the racial and social injustices faced by African Americans in the United States.
In 1967, at the age of 20, Abdul-Jabbar changed his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The new name was inspired by his Islamic faith and the desire to distance himself from his previous identity. Kareem is an Arabic word meaning honorable or respected, while Abdul means servant of. Jabbar is the Arabic name for God. By adopting this new name, Abdul-Jabbar sought to emphasize his Islamic beliefs and his commitment to serving humanity.
The Significance of the Name Change
The name change had a profound impact on Abdul-Jabbar’s life and career. Firstly, it allowed him to express his identity more authentically. As an African American Muslim, Abdul-Jabbar faced discrimination and prejudice throughout his life. By adopting a name that reflected his Islamic faith, he was able to assert his identity and challenge the stereotypes associated with African Americans and Muslims.
Secondly, the name change had a significant impact on Abdul-Jabbar’s career. As a professional basketball player, he was known for his scoring ability and defensive prowess. However, his name change also brought attention to his intellectual and cultural contributions to the sport. Abdul-Jabbar was an avid reader and a student of history, and he used his platform to promote social justice and education.
The Impact on Perception
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s name change had a lasting impact on the perception of his identity. His new name was seen as a symbol of his commitment to his Islamic faith and his desire to serve humanity. It also highlighted his intellectual and cultural contributions to the sport, which were often overlooked during his playing career.
Moreover, Abdul-Jabbar’s name change inspired other African American athletes to embrace their cultural and religious identities. For example, the NBA player Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf changed his name to Ron Artest after Abdul-Jabbar’s example. This trend reflected a broader shift in the African American community, as more individuals sought to assert their identities and challenge the stereotypes associated with their race.
The Legacy of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the basketball court. His name change and the subsequent emphasis on his Islamic faith and cultural contributions have left a lasting impact on the sport and society. Abdul-Jabbar has used his platform to promote social justice, education, and the importance of cultural diversity.
In addition to his work off the court, Abdul-Jabbar has also been a successful author and filmmaker. His memoir, Becoming Kareem: The Journey of an NBA Legend, provides insight into his life and the challenges he faced as an African American Muslim in the United States. His documentary, On the Shoulders of Giants, explores the history of African American athletes and their contributions to the sport.
Conclusion
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s name change from Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a significant event in his life and career. The new name reflected his Islamic faith and his commitment to serving humanity, and it allowed him to express his identity more authentically. The name change also had a lasting impact on the perception of his identity and the perception of African American athletes in general. As a result, Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy extends beyond his achievements on the basketball court, and he continues to inspire individuals to embrace their cultural and religious identities and to promote social justice and education.
