Young Lew
This New York borough is where young Lew Alcindor grew up.
What is Harlem?
Kareem grew up during this era, which shaped his sense of justice.
What is the Civil Rights era?
This legendary UCLA coach became one of Lew's most important mentors.
Who is John Wooden?
Lew adopted a new name as part of his journey into this religion.
What is Islam?
Lew learned this legendary shot, which would later become his signature move.
What is the skyhook?
As a child, Lew was known for being unusually tall—and unusually this, which made him an easy target for teasing.
What is shy or quiet?
This famous athlete-activist influenced Kareem’s thinking about sports and politics.
Who is Muhammad Ali?
This dominant NBA star took young Lew under his wing and showed him the life of the rich and famous.
Who is Wilt Chamberlain?
Lew grew up practicing this religion.
What is Catholicism?
He refined his skills at this Catholic high school known for its strong basketball program.
What is Power Memorial?
Lew's parents emphasized this more than anything else, including basketball.
What is education?
He recognized that success meant using his platform to advocate for this.
What is equality?
Lew's high school coach, who taught him the fundamentals of basketball. The two had a shaky relationship.
Who is Coach Donahue?
Kareem’s new name reflects ideals of generosity and this personal quality.
What is servanthood or devotion?
This grueling practice routine taught Lew the importance of discipline on the court.
What is conditioning?
This sport, not basketball, was originally Lew's favorite.
What is baseball?
This basketball legend worked with Kareem on civil rights and social justice.
Who is Bill Russell?
Lew greatly admired this Civil Rights activist and said meeting him was a "life-changing experience."
Who is Martin Luther King Jr.?
Kareem’s transformation involved learning to stand up for himself and others during this major U.S. movement.
What is the Civil Rights Movement?
One challenge Lew faced as a young star was that many teams used this defensive tactic just to slow him down.
What is double or triple teaming?
Lew struggled with this type of discrimination from a young age, which influenced his later activism.
What is racism?
Kareem participated in meetings of this group of Black athletes discussing activism and identity.
What is the Cleveland Summit?
Coach Wooden often reminded Lew that success comes from preparation, using this famous "P" phrase.
What is "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail"?
A key part of his identity was developing not just as an athlete, but as this.
What is an intellectual?
Lew’s dominance in high school basketball contributed to this rule change limiting dunking in college.
What is the no-dunking rule?