Changemakers
Reception
Our annual Celebration of Changemakers In sport
Our annual reception is a decades-long tradition of honoring individuals who use their power and influence in sports to break barriers and draw awareness to social justice causes. Previous honorees include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Allyson Felix, Jordyn Wieber, Jackie Robinson, and many others. Presented by Major League Baseball.
Huddle Up! Celebrating Changemakers in Sport
2026 Hall of Fame Inductee: Chuck Cooper
In 1950, Chuck Cooper became the first Black player drafted into the NBA, selected by the Boston Celtics. He broke barriers on and off the court, enduring segregation while opening doors for generations of athletes who followed. His legacy of courage and leadership helped shape the Celtics' tradition of breaking barriers, including the NBA's first all-Black starting five and Bill Russell becoming the first Black head coach in major professional sports. This year, we proudly honor Cooper posthumously as a 2026 Hall of Fame inductee.
2026 Hall of Fame Induction & Reception Event Details
Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | 5:30 PM ET
Hosted by the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation
The Auerbach Center at Boston Landing
46 Life Street | Brighton, MA 02135
Thank You to Our Sponsors
2024 Honorees
lachina Robinson
Excellence in Sport Journalism
Maya Moore Irons
Power of Sport
Steve Phelps
Power of Sport
2025 Homecoming Reception
In honor of The Huddle's 40th Anniversary, in 2025, we hosted a Homecoming-themed celebration in Boston, MA, where the organization was founded in 1985. The night included a celebration of memories, impact, and our founder, Dr. Richard Laphchick, who was inducted into the Power of Sport Hall of Fame for his decades of positive change and impact in sports.