On Friday, February 26th, the Los Angeles Lakers handed out copies of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s DVD, On the Shoulders of Giants to recognize Black History Month. The giveaways were only part of the celebration of African-American history at STAPLES Center. The Lakers, along with the EverFi Education Network, welcomed 40 students from Compton High School to a pregame reception. The visit rewarded the students who excelled in EverFi’s 306 – African American History curriculum.
Since 2013, the Lakers and the NBA have partnered with EverFi to offer students at Compton High School the opportunity to learn African-American history via an innovative, digital platform. The 306 – African American History course seeks to educate today’s students through exploration of specific events, individuals, and concepts that have played a major role in African-American history. The students joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Rev. Dr. Michael Hopwood and other distinguished guests from EverFi and Compton Unified School District, to hear some inspiring words before they took in the night’s game.
“What black Americans have contributed to American history is American history,” Kareem explained, as he commended the students on their dedication to completing EverFi’s African American history course. Kareem emphasized the importance of education and knowledge to his audience of young, bright individuals. “You have to qualify yourself to give back by sharpening this tool, the one between your ears–your brain. It is the sharpest tool that you have and it’s going to take you the furthest distance that you’re going to go in your lifetime.”
EverFi’s 306 curriculum requires each student to write an essay about the impact of African-Americans in broader American life. Kareem presented certificates of achievement to authors of the best essays during an on-court ceremony. Congratulations to the recipients: Christina Shareef, Emilio Alvarez, Jaila Ross, and Jonathan Mosely. The Lakers thank Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Compton High School, and EverFi for promoting education about the importance of African-Americans in our nation’s history.
