Kareem Abdul-Jabbar took home two 2013 NAACP Image Awards for "Best Documentary" for his film "On the Shoulders of Giants - The Story of the Greatest Team You've Never Heard Of" and the award for "Best Children's Book" for "What Color is My World? - the lost history of African American inventors" authored by the legendary sports figure and Raymond Obstfeld. The film was nominated in the Best Documentary category and the book was nominated for Best Literary Work - Children's category. Both were awarded last night, February 1, in a pre-show gala awards ceremony held in Los Angeles.
The NAACP Image Award is one of the highest accolades presented by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People which honors outstanding people of color in film, television, music and literature. Similar to other awards like the Oscars and the Grammys, the 40 categories of the Image Awards are voted on by the award organization's members. The 2013 NAACP Image Awards aired on NBC Television live from the Shrine Auditorium.
On the Shoulders of Giants is a 75-minute feature-length documentary currently airing on Showtime. The film honors a group of sports pioneers who have been all but forgotten over time. The story finds its footing in the rhythms of jazz, its roots in the Harlem Renaissance and its voice in a group of basketball players much too talented to be ignored. It was produced and directed by Deborah Morales on behalf of Abdul-Jabbar in association with Iconomy Multi-media & Entertainment. Oscar winning actor
Jamie Foxx did the honors of voice over throughout the documentary with notable appearances by Dr.
Maya Angelou,
Spike Lee,
Bill Russell, Dr. J.,
Herbie Hancock, Chuck D, Dr. Cornell West, Charles Barkley, Jerry West as well as many other legendary celebrities and sports figures.
"Who would have thought that an African-American basketball hero from New York and a white Jewish girl from Boston would be working together let alone win an NAACP Image Award," said Deborah Morales, a well-known entertainment business manager. "I am so thrilled to receive this award not only because it justifies the very poignant message both Kareem and I set out to send as we began this journey but because the NAACP's continued pursuit of civil rights is very important to both of us.
Abdul-Jabbar's children's book "What Color Is My World? -the lost history of African American inventors" children's book was penned by the NBA legend and New York times best-selling author Abdul-Jabbar and his co-writer Raymond Obstfeld and offers an upbeat history lesson within a fictional narrative framework. Siblings Ella and Herbie, whose story unfolds within the pages of the book is taught by an eccentric handyman named Mr. Mital who teaches them about the contributions made by African-American inventors through their own adventures and their fixer-upper house. The book was illustrated by A.G. Ford, Ben Boos and published by Candlewick Press.
"It is a distinguished honor to be recognized by the NAACP in such an extraordinary way. To win two NAACP Image Awards is a remarkable moment for me " said
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. " I have spent much of my life working towards the recognition and understanding of African-Americans in all fields and am extremely proud to know that this award stands profoundly for the fight for social justice for all Americans."
For more information on "On The Shoulders of Giants - The Greatest Story of the Team You've Never Heard Of" and "What Color is My World? - The Lost History of African American Inventors go to
www.kareemabduljabbar.com or
www.iconomy.com.
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