Humanitarians Honored by NCRM

"Don't waste your time and be negative about anything, take it as challenge," says Myrlie Evers-Williams.

Myrlie Evers- Williams fought injustice alongside her husband, civil rights pioneer Medgar Evers.

While Medgar Evers was working as a field officer with the NAACP, he was murdered in 1963 in front of Myrlie and their three kids. After two hung juries, she fought 31 years for a conviction for her husband's killer. As a result of her fight, some 20 other civil rights cases reopened, and accused murderers were brought to justice.

"I'm very pleased to have been a major part of seeing that happen," says Evers-Williams.

She moved on to start the National Woman's Political Caucus and serve as the chairman of the NAACP.

His moves on the court earned him the nickname, "Dr. J" but he grew up as Julius Erving. He played basketball for Roosevelt High and excelled in school despite being raised in the projects by a single mother. Erving says joining the local Salvation Army to play ball there changed his life.

"This core taught me things between the ages of eight and twelve that have stuck with me till today and are part of the reason why my core value system in centered with humanitarian effort and philanthropic endeavors," says Erving.

Dr. J played in the ABA and NBA for the New York Nets and Philadelphia 76'ers winning three championships, four MVP's, he was inducted in the NBA Hall of Fame and is honored for his business and humanitarian work off the court. Dr. J has a message for all young kids growing up poor like he did.

"Open your eyes to the opportunities around you, now one of the things I hate is when someone says well everyone else gets a chance, I never get a chance, open your eyes," says Erving.