Abdul-Jabbar Joins Governor In Push To Promote Science, Math
CHICAGO (CBS) -- NBA Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar urged Chicago Public Schools students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
WBBM Newsradio's Michele Fiore reports Abdul-Jabbar joined Gov. Pat Quinn Sunday at King College Prep High School to discuss his book, "What Color is My World."
Quinn praised Abdul-Jabbar's 36-page book about African-American inventors, which was provided to the 300 students who attended the event.
The governor said black inventors are "oftentimes unnoticed by history; and we've got to bring them to life for our students."
Students at the event also wanted to know Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's thoughts on pursuing athletics.
"I thought it was great. I played professional basketball for 20 years, and when that was done, I needed to have something to do. If I did not have the foundation that I had with my college education, I would not be able now to be an author," he said. "I'm going to steal a line from the United Negro College Fund. A mind is a terrible thing to waste."
Abdul-Jabbar told students it's great to aspire to be an entertainer or an athlete, but that should not be the only thing they have to offer.
