- By Victor Mejia
On Tuesday, April 29, during the 2025 National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) Annual Leadership Summit on Health Disparities and Health Braintrust, Alonzo Mourning was presented with the prestigious Booker T. Washington Award in Washington, D.C.
This distinguished honor recognizes Mourning’s extraordinary leadership in the fight for health equity and his tireless advocacy for kidney disease awareness, particularly among Black and underserved communities.
A Champion On and Off the Court
Known for his legendary career as an NBA Hall of Famer, Mourning has also made a lasting impact beyond the hardwood. After being diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in 2000 and undergoing a kidney transplant in 2003, Mourning turned his personal health journey into a mission. He later discovered that his condition was linked to APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD)—a genetic kidney disease disproportionately affecting people of African ancestry.
Since then, Mourning has become a national voice for kidney health equity, using his platform to promote awareness, early diagnosis, and increased support for patients battling chronic kidney disease.
Through his foundation, Zo’s Fund for Life, and partnerships like Power Forward Together with Vertex Pharmaceuticals, he continues to uplift patients, advocate for living donation, and push for systemic changes in how kidney disease is diagnosed and treated—especially in communities that are often left behind.
“Genetic kidney disease is a silent epidemic in the Black community, and we need to act urgently,” Mourning said. “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.”
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Equity
The Booker T. Washington Award, named after the trailblazing educator and civil rights advocate, honors individuals whose work embodies the spirit of advancing health, education, and justice in underserved communities. Mourning’s leadership exemplifies this legacy, turning personal adversity into purpose and action.
NMQF is proud to recognize Alonzo Mourning’s commitment to improving health outcomes, reducing disparities, and building a more equitable healthcare system for future generations.
Read the full press release here.
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- Victor Mejia
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