WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 24, 2025) —Today, National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF)  is proud to announce that the 2025 Booker T. Washington Award will be presented to Alonzo Mourning at this year’s NMQF Annual Leadership Summit on Health Disparities and Health Braintrust on April 28-29th in Washington, D.C.

This prestigious award, named in honor of the legendary African American educator and activist, recognizes outstanding contributions to the promotion of health equity and the elimination of healthcare disparities. The Booker T. Washington Award was established by NMQF to honor individuals who exemplify the spirit of its namesake. Booker T. Washington was a pioneer in advocating for the economic and social advancement of African Americans. The award celebrates those who continue his legacy through impactful work in healthcare, education, and community service.

Alonzo Mourning’s Advocacy for Equitable Kidney Care

Alonzo Mourning, Basketball Hall of Famer and seven-time NBA All-Star, has transformed his personal health journey into a powerful platform for change. After being diagnosed in 2000 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)—a rare and life-threatening kidney disease—Mourning underwent a kidney transplant in 2003, receiving a lifesaving organ from a cousin. He later learned his FSGS was genetic and a form of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD), a rapidly progressive kidney disease which impacts people of African ancestry. Since then, he has become one of the nation’s most prominent advocates for kidney disease awareness, especially among Black and underserved communities disproportionately affected by the disease.

Through his nonprofit, Zo’s Fund for Life, Mourning has raised millions to support kidney disease research and help patients access the care they need. In a recent partnership with the American Kidney Fund, he shared his story to encourage early detection and to inspire others to consider becoming living donors.

“Genetic kidney disease is a silent epidemic in the Black community, and we need to act urgently,” said Mourning. “I’ve made it my personal mission to help expand awareness and diagnosis of APOL1-mediated kidney disease, efforts rooted in the tradition of leaders including Booker T. Washington.

Among his many achievements are National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) records at Georgetown, seven NBA All-Star recognitions, an NBA championship, an Olympic gold medal, and Hall-of-Fame induction. At the height of his career, Mr. Mourning’s physicians noticed signs of kidney disease during a routine physical and conducted follow-up tests to confirm his diagnosis: a rare kidney disease now known as a form of APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD). In 2003, he received a kidney transplant and resumed playing professional basketball, helping the Miami Heat to an NBA championship in 2006 before retiring in 2008. Years later, in 2010, he participated in the research study that eventually led scientists to discover the link between the APOL1 gene variants and kidney disease; this is when he learned that his disease was genetically driven.

Mourning is now an active advocate for kidney health and encourages others to be proactive as well. He has partnered with Vertex Pharmaceuticals as a paid spokesperson to raise awareness of AMKD through Vertex’s campaign, Power Forward Together (www.PowerForwardTogether.com).

Mourning consistently uses his voice to spotlight systemic disparities in kidney care, the urgent need for organ donation, and the importance of regular screenings. He often speaks to the realities that many communities of color face: late-stage diagnoses, limited access to specialists, and financial barriers to treatment. Mourning’s enduring commitment to health equity and community empowerment embodies the spirit of the Booker T. Washington Award. His work reminds us that powerful change begins when we transform personal trials into public impact.

For information and registration, please visit https://nmqf.org/annual-summits/2025-annual-leadership-summit/.