Former Syracuse standout and now Portland Trail Blazers star Carmelo Anthony is the winner of the first Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award, the league announced leading up to Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals on TNT.

The award, named after Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, is given to the NBA player who best embodies his message of civil rights, Black empowerment, and racial equality.

Anthony was a finalist for the award alongside Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris and Golden State Warriors forward Juan Toscano-Anderson.

As the first-ever recipient, Anthony will be awarded $100,000 that the league will donate to a social-justice-focused organization of Anthony’s choosing. The remaining four finalists will each receive $25,000 donations. The five finalists were cut down from an original list of 30 nominees — one for each NBA team.

It was reported that Anthony’s donation will go toward the Portland Art Museum’s Black Arts and Experiences Initiative.

“It’s such an honor,” Anthony said. “I’m lucky to be part of a league full of players who are equally as passionate about making a difference. So, I’m truly humbled to be recognized by Kareem and the selection committee.

It’s my hope that this award encourages others to help uplift those who have been historically marginalized or systematically disadvantaged, and do their part in making equality and justice for all.”

The finalists were selected by a panel composed of Abdul-Jabbar, the Director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport Dr. Richard Lapchick, student activist Teyonna Lofton, National Urban League President and CEO Marc Morial, UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía, Rise Founder and CEO Amanda Nguyen, and NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.

Anthony’s efforts contributing to social justice are through the Social Change Fund that he, Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul and former NBA Dwyane Wade created in July 2020. The organization supports critical issues impacting the Black community and contributes through partnerships and investments to advocate for indigenous people and communities of color “through the lens of policy solutions, community representation, and narrative change.”

Anthony has also established the STAYME7O Propel Program for Black creative expression. He also launched Creative 7 in April, a production company focused on inclusive narratives and voices that have gone unheard, and is a board member of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition.