Pacers Star Pascal Siakam Honored with Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s Prestigious Community Engagement Award
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam added another remarkable achievement to his growing legacy on Tuesday, as the two-time NBA All-Star was named recipient of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission’s highest honor – the Community Engagement Award. The prestigious recognition celebrates Siakam’s extraordinary commitment to social justice, educational equity, and humanitarian efforts since joining the Pacers organization earlier this year.
The Cameroon-born basketball star received the award during a moving ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse, where commissioners praised his “relentless dedication to uplifting marginalized communities both locally and globally.” Siakam, known affectionately as “Spicy P” to fans, has made an immediate impact in Indianapolis through his “P Skills Academy” providing STEM education to underprivileged youth, while also funding clean water initiatives across Africa through his PS43 Foundation.
“This isn’t just about basketball for me,” Siakam told the packed chamber, wearing traditional African attire. “When I came to America from Cameroon, I saw how sports could change lives. Now it’s my responsibility to open those same doors for others.” His emotional speech highlighted his journey from being discovered at a Basketball Without Borders camp to becoming an NBA champion and philanthropist.
The award holds special significance in Indiana, where the Civil Rights Commission has honored community leaders since 1961. Past recipients include Congressman John Lewis and Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel. “Pascal embodies the spirit of this award through action, not just words,” said Commission Executive Director Gregory Wilson. “In just months, he’s become a unifying force in our state.”
Pacers Governor Herb Simon and GM Chad Buchanan attended the ceremony, with Buchanan noting: “We knew we were getting an elite player. We didn’t realize we were getting an even better human being.” Teammates Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton surprised Siakam by showing up to support him, with Haliburton tweeting afterward: “P is the kind of leader that makes you want to do more OFF the court.”
The timing coincides with Siakam’s recent $189 million contract extension, which he has pledged to use for expanding his charitable initiatives. His foundation’s new “Books and Basketball” program will launch in 15 Indianapolis schools this fall, combining literacy tutoring with sports mentorship.
As the crowd gave Siakam a standing ovation, the humble forward deflected praise: “This award belongs to every volunteer, teacher and community worker who shows up when no cameras are watching.” With his trademark smile, he added: “Now let’s get back to work.”
The ceremony concluded with Siakam being presented with Indiana’s highest civilian honor – the Sachem Award – making him the first active athlete to receive the distinction. As Indianapolis continues embracing its new basketball star, one thing is clear: Pascal Siakam’s greatest contributions may come long after the final buzzer sounds.
