That new title has been bestowed by the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. They will be creating the inaugural Ice Cube Impact Award.
The collaboration will honor Ice Cube’s contributions to the world of basketball, his passion for the game, and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice. Ice Cube spoke about the honor:
“The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Award named in my honor is truly remarkable, and words alone can’t express my gratitude for this recognition from such a prestigious organization,” said Ice Cube. “Having an award bearing my name only intensifies my commitment to advancing inclusivity and equal opportunity in sports, alongside my unwavering dedication to community activism.”
The Naismith Hall of Fame will house the new award in their museum and honor the annual award winners through a dedicated exhibit and in-depth storytelling about honorees who use basketball as a platform for good work in their communities.
“Ice Cube’s unquestionable passion for the game and his desire to see it utilized as a catalyst for positive impact on communities are unwavering,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
“His sphere of influence in both the entertainment industry and in the professional sports arena brings remarkable authenticity and value to this award. We are delighted to join hands with Ice Cube as he leverages his love of the game to inspire others. The Ice Cube Impact Award will stand as a testament to the power of basketball and the profound impact it can have on communities worldwide.”
The actual ceremony will take place on January 15, 2024. In the meantime, check out the press conference for the announcement of the Ice Cube Impact Award below.