The NBA has recognized Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday as the 2024-25 NBA Social Justice Champion, awarding him the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy. This announcement was made on May 7, 2025, and it highlights Holiday's commitment to social justice and community empowerment.
In conjunction with this honor, the NBA will donate $100,000 to the Jrue and Lauren Holiday Social Impact Fund (JLH Fund), which has already made significant strides in supporting underserved communities. The JLH Fund has distributed over $5.3 million in grants and provided more than 400 hours of coaching to nearly 200 businesses since its inception in 2020.
Holiday stood out among a group of five finalists for the award, which included notable players such as Bam Adebayo, Harrison Barnes, Chris Boucher, and CJ McCollum. His efforts in advancing equality and supporting marginalized groups resonate deeply with the mission of the award, which aims to honor those who carry on Abdul-Jabbar’s legacy of social justice.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum praised Holiday's dedication, stating, "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. 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." Tatum's remarks reflect the high regard in which Holiday is held, both as a player and as a philanthropist.
The JLH Fund was established when Holiday pledged the remaining $5 million of his 2020 NBA salary to combat systemic racism and economic injustice. Most recently, the fund mobilized resources to support families affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. Through initiatives like the Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator—launched in partnership with Boston Xchange, founded by Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown—the fund aims to empower Boston-based creators and entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.
Holiday’s impact off the court is complemented by his performance on it. During the 2024-25 NBA season, he averaged 11.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game, providing veteran leadership to a team with championship aspirations. His ability to contribute both as a player and a community leader has made him a vital asset for the Celtics, especially as they regroup after a narrow Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs.
The Celtics organization expressed their pride in Holiday’s accomplishments, posting on social media, "A true champion on and off the court. Congrats Jrue on winning the 2025 NBA #SocialJusticeChampion award." This recognition comes on the heels of Holiday receiving the NBA Sportsmanship Award for the second time in his career, an honor that reflects his character and sportsmanship as voted on by fellow players.
Holiday's dedication to social justice and community service has not gone unnoticed in the league. Previous winners of the NBA Social Justice Champion award include high-profile players such as Carmelo Anthony, Reggie Bullock, Stephen Curry, and Karl-Anthony Towns. The award is not just a testament to his philanthropic efforts but also a reflection of his commitment to being a role model both on and off the court.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 2 against the Knicks, Holiday's leadership will be crucial. The team aims to bounce back and even the series, with Holiday’s experience and poise serving as a guiding force. The Celtics will rely on his ability to inspire his teammates while continuing his impactful work in the community.
In addition to his recent accolades, Holiday serves on the board of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, working alongside fellow players, team governors, coaches, and NBA leadership to promote policy and advocacy efforts surrounding criminal justice reform, community safety, and voting access. His multifaceted approach to both basketball and social justice exemplifies the kind of player and person the NBA seeks to highlight.
As the NBA playoffs continue, Jrue Holiday stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that athletes can indeed be champions in every sense of the word. His commitment to social change and his contributions to the Celtics make him a player to watch—not just for his skills on the court, but for his unwavering dedication to making a difference in the world.
