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Abdul-Jabbar Joins Governor In Push To Promote Science, Math

CHICAGO (CBS) -- NBA Hall-of-Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar urged Chicago Public Schools students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

WBBM Newsradio's Michele Fiore reports Abdul-Jabbar joined Gov. Pat Quinn Sunday at King College Prep High School to discuss his book, "What Color is My World."

Quinn praised Abdul-Jabbar's 36-page book about African-American inventors, which was provided to the 300 students who attended the event.

The governor said black inventors are "oftentimes unnoticed by history; and we've got to bring them to life for our students."

Students at the event also wanted to know Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's thoughts on pursuing athletics.

"I thought it was great. I played professional basketball for 20 years, and when that was done, I needed to have something to do. If I did not have the foundation that I had with my college education, I would not be able now to be an author," he said. "I'm going to steal a line from the United Negro College Fund. A mind is a terrible thing to waste."

Abdul-Jabbar told students it's great to aspire to be an entertainer or an athlete, but that should not be the only thing they have to offer.

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