HAMDEN— The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) honored University of Connecticut graduate, four-time WNBA champion, five-time Olympic gold medalist, and advocate Sue Bird with the 2021 Changemaker Award.

As a former Husky, Bird won two National Championships and three Big East Championships. She credits the school with helping her prepare for her future regarding basketball and beyond. She has also used her platform as a sports celebrity to speak out against hate and prejudice.

Bird accepted the award and delivered remarks at the ADL’s virtual 2021 Never Is Now Summit Against Antisemitism and Hate on Tuesday evening, Nov. 9.

Bird is an avid activist for Black Lives, equality, health and wellness, and bringing opportunities to girls and other marginalized people. 

She has used her platform to elevate the voices of those affected by these issues and she frequently speaks out about injustices within the basketball community and beyond. Bird supported and played in the 2020 WNBA season that was dedicated in the memory of Breonna Taylor. Beyond that, her social media timelines are populated with graphics and links spreading awareness on these issues while also inviting a dialogue on inclusion.

Regarded as the world’s premier point guard, Sue Bird is the WNBA’s All-Time Leader in Assists and known for being selfless, driven, encouraging, funny and smart.  Off the court, Sue spends time as a basketball analyst for ESPN, as an NBA front office executive.

Never Is Now is the world’s largest annual summit on antisemitism and hate. The three-day virtual event ran from November 7-9. The discussion of antisemitism and hate is being led by extraordinary speakers and experts from all different backgrounds including Vice President Kamala Harris; actor and producer Daniel Dae Kim; and more.

Main Photo: Sue Bird drives the ball during the women’s gold medal game at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Aug. 20, 2016. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images)