President of the WNBA, Las Vegas
Aces 2022 National Champions
ABIS Executive Excellence Award
Warrick Dunn
Former NFL Player
ABIS Shaquille O’Neil Economic &
Sustainability Award
Edwin Moses
Olympian Track & Field Coach
ABIS Hall of Fame Award
Bobby Kersee
Olympian Track & Field Coach
ABIS Eddie Robinson Coaches Award
Ndiddi Massay
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion,
Corporate Responsibility, CBS Sports
ABIS Sonny Vaccaro Champion of Change
Award
Chuck D
Rap Legend from Public Enemy
ABIS John Carlos & Tommie Smith Social
Justice Champion Award
Sidney McLaughlin
Track & field Star
ABIS Jackie Joyner Kersee Excellence Award
Ryan Clark
ESPN Football Analyst
ABIS William C. Rhoden Sports Media Award
Mark Davis
Sports Franchise Owner, Las
Vegas Raiders & Las Vegas Aces
ABIS Leadership Award
Asjia O'Neal
Univ. Texas Volleyball Player
Woman Collegiate Athlete of the Year
2022 ABIS Annual Fundraising Gala Recap
ABIS Champions & Legends Weekend is a premier fundraising event supporting athletes on their journey through high school, college and beyond by providing scholarships, life skills training, and strategic guidance. We provide programs and services that eliminate structured, systemic barriers for Black student athletes and coaches.
2022 HONOREES
ABIS Champions & Legends Weekend
by CEO & Founder,
Gary Charles
Gary Charles, best known for many things, notably he was the first person to be able to generate a shoe deal for the late Kobe Bryant. He is close friends with Sonny Vacarro. He has coached numerous NBA stars. He was the co-founder of FAB48 Basketball tournament and is the current co-founder of Big Time Las Vegas basketball tournament with over 600 teams in attendance.
Gary Charles is a visionary and a go-getter. He had a vision to create the Advancement of Black In Sports in 2020 after the George Floyd murder. ABIS was a dream he had for many, many year, but he was determined to make it a reality when he couldn’t take the abuse and inequities of Blacks anymore after he watched the death of George Floyd.
Gary is a sport guy. So what better way to push forward his mission than to fight for equality for Blacks in sports. From fair hiring practices, empowering Black collegiate athletes, addressing mental health in sports and so much more.