Bullock was selected from a group of five finalists for his dedication to pursuing social justice and advancing Abdul-Jabbar’s life mission to engage, empower and drive equality for individuals and groups who have been historically marginalized or systemically disadvantaged, specifically within the LGBTQ+ community.
“We are all one, and I believe love lies in everybody’s heart,” said Bullock. “It’s incredibly important to me as a cisgender athlete to stand in support of the trans and LGBTQ+ community.”
During halftime, Bullock was joined on the court by NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum, Mavs governor Mark Cuban and CEO Cynt Marshall.
The native of Kinston, North Carolina, donated the $100,000 prize to the Kinston Teens Organization.
Bullock’s story of losing two sisters to murder is one of the most tragic in professional sports. Still, he boldly continues to spread awareness for the LGBTQ+ community in honor of his late sister Mia Henderson. He also speaks out against gun violence in memory of his other sister Kiosha who was murdered at age 22.
After the 2014 murder of Mia, who was transgender, Bullock has focused on the acceptance of all people by working to create truly inclusive communities through neighborhood engagement and national efforts around the LGBTQ movement.
He has participated in the NYC Pride March, the GLAAD Media Awards and NBA events for LGBTQ youth and allies.
Bullock’s unique hairstyle also pays tribute to his slain sisters. The two colored wicks represent Mia and Kiosha, and it’s his way of always keeping them at the forefront.
“I’ll continue to keep doing my part as an ally,” Bullock said. “I’ll continue using my platform to gain more knowledge and continue to link with foundations and groups. Love is in my heart…and hopefully, things will improve for the trans and LGBTQ community.”
Upon joining the Mavericks in August of 2021, Bullock forged new relationships with organizations in the LGBTQ space in the greater Dallas area, including House of Rebirth, The Black-Tie Dinner, the Resource Center and the Muhlashia Booker Foundation.
“I understand the power we have as athletes,” Bullock said. “I’ve been getting a lot of love, and it’s only to the top from here.”
Ahead of National Day of Trans Visibility on March 31, 2022, Bullock participated in a Mavs Take ACTION! initiative conversation titled Voices Unheard, Uplifting Trans Perspectives, alongside leaders from the Muhlashia Booker Foundation. The conversation reflected upon the struggles of losing a trans family member, challenges within the community and how allies can provide protection, partnership, visibility and inclusion.
For nearly a decade, Bullock has used his platform to call for acceptance and inclusion of all people through local and national efforts around the LGBTQ+ movement, including participating in the NYC Pride March, pride games with multiple NBA teams, the GLAAD Media Awards and events for LGBTQ+ youth and allies at NBA All-Stars and beyond. Additionally, Bullock created RemarkaBULL, an organization focused on developing revitalized spaces for a stable life in the LGBTQ+ community.
He continues to advocate for equal rights and protections for these individuals including by speaking out against legislation that prohibits transgender youth participation in sports and challenging higher education institutions to consider inclusive policies. In an effort to help prevent violence against women he partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice to engage with incarcerated communities and elevate the harmful impacts of mass incarceration.
In June 2021, Bullock penned a Players Tribune article titled “I Just Wanna Say My Sisters’ Names” about the murders of Henderson and his younger sister, Keiosha Moore, and advocating for greater awareness around gun violence and crimes against women. His story was published during a year when more than 50 trans and gender non-conforming people were killed in the U.S., the most in a single year. on record according to the Human Rights Campaign. Since 2013, the HRC has documented 256 incidents of fatal violence against trans and gender-nonconforming people, at least 84% of those killed were people of color, 85% were trans women and 66% were Black trans women.
The winner of the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award was determined by a selection committee composed of Abdul-Jabbar and other notable social justice leaders.
A very special guest dropped in to present @ReggieBullock35 with his award. (@kaj33)
We love you, Reg! 🏆 🙌 #MFFL #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/59zDGlz0LC
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) May 23, 2022
Reggie Bullock, winner of the 2021-22 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award, reflects on how the killing of his transgender sister Mia Henderson inspired him to make a difference in his community. pic.twitter.com/5QmwyzeGqs
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 23, 2022
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