“My mom was very popular in Chicago for her activism,” Isiah Thomas once said while talking about his mother. In fact, there was a time when people recognized him more as “Mary Thomas’s son” than as a basketball player. So it’s no surprise that Thomas followed her path, using his platform to uplift others. And now, his efforts have earned him a well-deserved honor- the Sam Lacey Pioneer Award.

The Detroit Pistons icon took to Instagram to announce that he won the Sam Lacey Pioneer Award, an honor that acknowledges his impactful work off the court. “Thank you, @nabjofficial and @nabj_chicago, for honoring me with the Sam Lacey Pioneer Award 2024,” he wrote in the caption. “I truly appreciate the love and respect for all of you who continue to work and honor your craft.”

So, what exactly is the Sam Lacey Pioneer Award? Named after Sam Lacy, a sports journalism icon and the first Black member of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America in 1948, the award celebrates individuals who’ve promoted racial and gender equality in sports. Lacy, who spent over nine decades breaking barriers as a writer, editor, and commentator, set the gold standard for pioneering change.

But Thomas isn’t alone in the spotlight. This year’s nominees list features names like Candace Parker, Dorothy Gaters, and the late Walter Payton. Each nominee has contributed uniquely to the world of sports and beyond, making this recognition even more meaningful.

In the end, Isiah Thomas’s honor is more than a trophy—it’s a reminder of the values he learned from his mother and the change he continues to inspire.

Isiah Thomas followed his mother’s footsteps

During a podcast with Rob Johnson, Thomas proudly shared, “There’s a street named after my mom in Chicago, on Holman and Jackson, called Mary Thomas Way.” He explained how she worked with Fred Hampton in their community, helping serve free breakfasts to those in need.

Initially, it was his mother’s reputation for helping others that shaped how people saw him. “Most people think that people knew me for basketball,” he recalled, “but at that time I was more well-known for being Mary Thomas’s son than Isiah Thomas, the basketball player.”

Thomas hasn’t just inherited his mother’s name—he’s carrying on her legacy. Just last year, he inspired students through a special discussion. The same year he also shared his journey on SWAY’S UNIVERSE podcast. “I didn’t grow up with this NBA basketball dream,” he revealed. “I grew up… wanting to be an activist fighting in Civil Rights.”

Now, in retirement, Thomas is more dedicated than ever to continuing his mother’s work. And he’s proving that his legacy isn’t just about basketball—it’s about making the world a better place, just like Mary Thomas did.