Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Personal Life, Siblings, Parents, Wife, Girlfriend, Kids, Other Family and Dating History
Born Lew Alcindor Jr. in 1947, Kareem’s path to iconic status began in New York City. His parents, Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr. and Cora Abdul-Jabbar, instilled in him strong values of hard work and community. While basketball blossomed into his calling, Kareem remained grounded by the unwavering support and love of his six siblings – Lew, Abdul-Rahim, Amin, Selma, Habiba, and Aminah. Even with his global celebrity, he cherishes these familial bonds, often visiting his hometown and celebrating milestones with his siblings and their families.
While Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a basketball legend and cultural icon, some aspects of his personal life remain private. Here’s what we know about his family, relationships, and past:
Parents:
Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr.: A jazz musician and police officer, Ferdinand instilled in Kareem a love for music and a strong sense of discipline. Their bond was complex, marked by both support and friction due to Ferdinand’s disapproval of Kareem’s early conversion to Islam.
Cora Abdul-Jabbar: A strong and devoted single mother after her divorce, Cora nurtured Kareem’s intellectual curiosity and athletic talent. She remained a constant source of encouragement throughout his career.
Siblings:
- Lew Alcindor: Kareem’s eldest brother, Lew, also played basketball at a collegiate level but chose a different path, becoming a successful businessman. Despite their different lives, the brothers maintained a close connection.
- Abdul-Rahim Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s second brother, Abdul-Rahim, followed in his footsteps as a basketball player, also enjoying a solid career in the NBA. Their shared passion for the sport deepened their bond.
- Amin Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s youngest brother, Amin, chose a career in academia, becoming a professor of Africana Studies. Though their paths diverged, they shared a commitment to social justice and intellectual pursuits.
- Selma Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s eldest sister, Selma, worked as a nurse and activist. She was a fierce advocate for her brother and a strong influence on his social consciousness.
- Habiba Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s second sister, Habiba, played a significant role in his early life. While their relationship later faced challenges, she remains an important part of his family history.
- Aminah Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s youngest sister, Aminah, is also known for her artistic talents and entrepreneurial spirit. She continues to be a supportive figure in his life.
Wife:
Pam Chenery Abdul-Jabbar: Beyond being a model and businesswoman, Pam is a strong confidante and partner to Kareem. They share a deep love for family, social justice, and intellectual pursuits. Their long-lasting marriage is a testament to their mutual respect and commitment.
Children:
- Adam Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s eldest son, Adam, also inherited his father’s athletic prowess, playing basketball in high school and college. He’s also an accomplished filmmaker and entrepreneur.
- Amir Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s second son, Amir, chose a different path, pursuing a career in music and becoming a successful DJ. He also remains close to his father and shares his passion for social justice.
- Habiba Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s eldest daughter, Habiba, is a writer and activist. She has followed in her father’s footsteps, using her voice to advocate for social change.
- Karima Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s second daughter, Karima, is a filmmaker and artist. She has collaborated with her father on several projects and also continues to be inspired by his creativity.
- Sultana Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem’s youngest daughter, Sultana, is a lawyer and athlete. She embodies her father’s dedication to both intellectual pursuits and physical well-being.
Relationship Status:
Current: As of December 2023, Kareem is married to Pam Chenery, a former businesswoman and model. They’ve been together since 1970, making it one of the longest-lasting marriages in Hollywood.
Past: Before Pam, Kareem was married to Habiba Abdul-Jabbar from 1968 to 1971.
Other Family:
Kareem enjoys close relationships with his extended family, including nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He often attends family gatherings and prioritizes spending time with loved ones.
Dating History:
Aside from his two marriages, details about Kareem’s past dating history are not publicly available. He chooses to keep this aspect of his life private.
Additional Information:
- Kareem is a vocal advocate for social justice and uses his platform to speak out against racism, inequality, and other injustices.
- He’s also an author, philanthropist, and successful businessman.
- Outside of family and professional pursuits, Kareem enjoys reading, writing, and playing chess.
