“It wasn’t enough to talk about what was right,” Abdul-Jabbar said. “They took action, putting their own safety in peril in order to do the right thing. Their example of enduring so much public hatred yet still forging head to further the cause of equality made me realize I would be ashamed if I didn’t do my part.”

“Dialogue. It’s America’s answer. We’ve lost the ability to talk to each other without being arrogant or impatient.”