Ice Cube‘s fight for respect within the sports world has swung in his favor, as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has honored the BIG3 founder with its inaugural Impact Award, which will also be named after Cube.
In an announcement made on Tuesday (Nov. 14), the award will honor the Hip-Hop icon’s “extraordinary contributions to the world of basketball, his unparalleled passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to encouraging crucial dialogues surrounding inclusivity, equal opportunity, and racial and social justice while contributing to initiatives focused on education and community development.”
Cube also voiced his appreciation for the Hall of Fame’s gesture. “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,” the 54-year-old expressed.
Ice Cube poses on the red carpet prior to the BIG3 Championship at State Farm Arena on August 21, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.
He continued, adding, “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 first recipient of the Impact Award, Ice Cube’s love for basketball and his growing influence in the sport made him a perfect candidate to become the award’s namesake. “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,” Doleva continued. “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.”
Rapper Ice Cube attends Daylight Beach Club at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on May 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Ice Cube Impact Award will be housed in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s museum in Springfield, Massachusetts. and will be given to subsequent recipients who “use basketball as a platform for good works in their own communities.”
The Ice Cube Impact Award will be presented to Ice Cube at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame on Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 15, 2024).