Date: Mar 22, 2011

NBA Legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Puts the Spotlight on the Harlem Rens During The Hofstra Cultural Center Conference, "1935: The Reality and the Promise"

Friday, April 8, 2011: Mr. Abdul-Jabbar to Conduct a Special Student Session at 3 p.m. and Deliver the Conference Banquet Address at 7 p.m.

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY …  A special feature of Hofstra University’s April 7-9, 2011, interdisciplinary conference 1935: The Reality and the Promise will be the participation of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, considered by both fans and sportswriters to be among the greatest basketball players of all-time. On Friday, April 8, at 3 p.m., Mr. Abdul-Jabbar is expected to lead a lively and inspirational discussion with Hofstra students and student athletes from local high schools in a special session at Hofstra’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse. At 7 p.m. he will deliver the conference’s banquet address.

Mr. Abdul-Jabbar was invited to participate to talk about his book, On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance, and documentary, On the Shoulders of Giants: The Story of the Greatest Basketball Team You Never Heard Of. Both works are focused on the Harlem Rens, the first black-owned and operated basketball team from Harlem, which won the First World Basketball Championships in 1939. Both the book and documentary will be available for purchase at the student symposium and banquet, with net proceeds benefitting the Hofstra Scholarship Fund. Following both events, Mr. Abdul-Jabbar will be available for book signing and photo opportunities for those in attendance.

Mr. Abdul-Jabbar, retired basketball player, coach, actor and best-selling author, is regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time. He played for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, was instrumental in winning six NBA Championships, was voted NBA’s most valuable player six times and was an NBA All-Star nineteen times.  He is well-known for his trademark “sky hook” (a hook shot in which he bent his entire body - rather than just his arm - in one fluid motion to lift the ball and then release it at the highest point of his arm’s arching motion). In 2010 he founded the non-profit “Skyhook Foundation” that mentors aspiring youths from under-served communities. 

A lifelong passion for history (he majored in history and English at UCLA) led to Mr. Abdul-Jabbar authoring seven best-selling books on various historical subjects. His New York Times best seller On the Shoulders of Giants, was released as a 3D documentary in February 2011. His philanthropic efforts reflect his passion to educate society and give back to the sport that has given him so much. In 2010, he founded the “Skyhook Foundation,” a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that mentors aspiring youths from underserved communities, by combining sports and education programs.

The Hofstra Cultural Center is presenting 1935: The Reality and the Promise in honor of Hofstra University’s 75th anniversary. The conference is an far-reaching examination of what was happening locally, regionally, nationally and internationally the year that Hofstra opened its doors for classes. Scholars from across the country will participate in panel discussions addressing the arts, culture, business, politics, economics, and social issues.

Organizing the conference with the Hofstra Cultural Center are faculty directors Professor of History Michael D’Innocenzo, Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures Zenia DaSilva; and Professor of Geology J Bret Bennington.  Professors D’Innocenzo and DaSilva hold the distinction of being Hofstra’s longest serving faculty members.

For an up-to-date list of conference speakers, panels and exhibitions, visit hofstra.edu /1935. This Web page
will include conference participants, special panels, keynote speakers, musical interludes as well as the complete conference program and registration materials. There is also a link so that registration forms may be completed and fees paid online. For further information please call the Hofstra Cultural Center at 516-463-5669.

All conference events, with the exception of meals, are free to members of the Hofstra community upon presentation of a current HofstraCard.

Registration fees are as follows:
Regular Rate: $75 • Senior Citizen (65 & over): $50 • Nassau County Resident (with ID): $50
Matriculated non-Hofstra student: $35 (with ID) • Banquet: $65

Please note – It is not necessary to register for the conference to purchase a ticket to the Friday night banquet.
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INFORMATION ON DOCUMENTARY VIEWING: Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m., Student Center Theater, North Campus.
The Hofstra Cultural Center in cooperation with the Dean of Students Office will host a viewing of  Mr. Abdul-Jabbar’s documentary, On the Shoulders of  Giants: the Story of the Greatest Basketball Team You Never Heard Of. Free popcorn available.

INFORMATION ON STUDENT SYMPOSIUM: Friday, April 8, at 3 p.m., John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus.
Hofstra University will host Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at a student symposium. Following his presentation,  he will be available for photo opportunities with those attending the presentation.  Registration is free on a first-come, first-serve basis, however you must register online at hofstra.edu/1935Kareem

Related Link: More About "1935: The Reality and the Promise"