We All Want to Change the World - by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar & Raymond Obstfeld (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

A sweeping look back at the protest movements that changed America from activist and NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with personal and historical insights into lessons they can teach us today

"A compelling case for standing up for justice at a time when everything, it seems, is on the line."--Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

For many, it can feel like change takes too long, and it might seem that we have not moved very far. But political activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar believes that public protest is a vital part of affecting change, even if that change doesn't come "right now."

In We All Want to Change the World, he examines the activism of people of all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds that helped change America, documenting events from the Free Speech Movement through the movement for civil rights, the fight for women's and LGBTQ rights, and, of course, the protests against the Vietnam War. At a time in our history when we are witnessing protests across campuses, within the labor movement, and following the killing of George Floyd, Abdul-Jabbar reminds us that protests are a lifeblood of our history:

"Protest movements, even peaceful ones, are never popular at first. . . . But there is a reason protest gatherings have been so frequent throughout history: They are effective. The United States exists because of them."

Part history lesson and part personal reminiscences of his own activism, We All Want to Change the World will resonate with anyone who recognizes the need for social change and is willing to do the work to make it happen.

Review Quotes

"Here, Kareem Abdul's-Jabbar exhibits the retrospective vision of a historian, the analytical discipline and clarity of a social scientist, and the passion and compassion of the life-long social change activist that he has been."--Harry Edwards, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus: Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley

"Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has never shied away from using the fame he achieved through his transcendent basketball talents to speak out about critically important issues, particularly around equality and social justice. The perspectives he shares in this book reflect his decades of activism and his hunger to inspire others to stand up for what is right."--Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

"With wisdom, compassion, and humility, this book reminds readers that the ideals of equality and justice are works in progress that each generation is tasked with transforming into reality. A timely reflection on protest movements that also chronicles how a beloved champion came to political consciousness."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"NBA legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar changed the game of basketball with his breathtaking feats on the court. Just as important, he used his voice off the court to speak out for social justice in ways that would have made his hero Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., proud. We All Want to Change the World is an inspiring book that reflects the inspired life and work of the revolutionary author behind its every page."--Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Alphonse Fletcher University Professor, Harvard University

"As accomplished as Kareem was as an athlete, what I respect and appreciate about the legendary big fellow is his ongoing fight for social justice. Kareem, like Nelson Mandela, fights for all people to be treated fairly and to be given a chance to achieve their dreams. It's this unwavering commitment to fairness and human dignity that makes me deeply admire and respect his ongoing efforts beyond the basketball court."--Robert Parish, former Boston Celtics player

About the Author

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is one of the greatest basketball players of all time as well as a committed social justice champion and award-winning writer. He is the New York Times bestselling author of seventeen books, an award-winning documentary producer, and a twice Emmy-nominated narrator. He is the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, The Lincoln Medal, The Rosa Parks Award, the U.C. Presidential Medal, and Harvard University's W. E. B. Dubois Medal of Courage. He holds nine honorary doctorate degrees and is a U.S. Cultural Ambassador. Currently, Abdul-Jabbar serves as the chairman of Skyhook Foundation, bringing educational STEM opportunities to underserved communities.

Raymond Obstfeld is an American novelist, screenwriter and non-fiction writer. He teaches creative writing at Orange Coast College.