Charlotte Hornets legend earns prestigious award for bringing awareness to health crisis

Charlotte Hornets fans will never forget the thunderous blocks or the fiery presence Alonzo Mourning brought to the hardwood in the early ’90s. But it’s what he’s doing now—off the court—that may leave the most lasting impact. Recently in Washington, D.C., Mourning was honored with the 2025 Booker T. Washington Award for his efforts to raise awareness about a deadly but often overlooked health crisis: kidney disease.

A Diagnosis That Sparked a Movement

Mourning’s journey with kidney disease began in 2000 during his NBA prime. He was later diagnosed with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a condition linked to APOL1-mediated kidney disease (AMKD), which disproportionately affects African Americans. After receiving a life-saving transplant in 2003, Mourning not only returned to win an NBA championship in 2006—he launched a mission to educate and uplift. “When I first learned of my diagnosis, I was terrified,” Mourning shared. “Mostly because I knew nothing about this disease or what might happen to me.”

Mourning has transformed his platform into action. Through his foundation, Zo’s Fund for Life, and campaigns like Power Forward Together, he champions awareness, early detection, and genetic testing. His work directly supports underserved communities that face disproportionate barriers to care. “Knowledge is power,” Mourning says. “And once I learned more about FSGS, I felt more confident about facing my condition.”

At the National Minority Quality Forum’s Leadership Summit, Mourning accepted the Booker T. Washington Award—an honor reserved for individuals who push the boundaries of health equity. “I’m grateful to organizations like NMQF who are dedicated to advancing minority health and uplifting our communities,” Mourning said after receiving the award.

For Charlotte fans who cheered his every rebound and roar, Alonzo Mourning is once again a champion—but this time, he’s saving lives.