Malcolm’s Story

Malcolm Brogdon is a professional basketball player, yet his true passion is helping others.  

Named for Malcolm X, from a young age Malcolm knew he wanted to make an impact on people’s lives. Diverse childhood experiences and a remarkable family helped to mold him into the person he is today.

As a child, Malcolm’s parents chose to move their young family from a middle-class neighborhood into inner-city Atlanta. The disparities between their neighborhood and the opportunities offered to Malcolm and his brothers were clear. Malcolm regularly witnessed the inequalities faced by children and families who lacked educational and other opportunities.

 “We moved into inner-city Atlanta. It was a developing neighborhood, but it was lower income. It was one of the best moves my parents ever made. It was a conscious decision on their part to make sure we grew up with an understanding of what other people had to go through.” 

At age 10, Malcolm traveled to Ghana, volunteering alongside his family in daycare and maternity facilities. At 14, Malcolm traveled to Malawi with his grandparents and witnessed the challenges of people living in one of the poorest countries in the world. He saw firsthand the challenges faced by children and families to meet basic needs and complete their educations. These experiences ignited a passion for serving people in Africa, leading to his advocacy today for clean water and education.

Malcolm’s leadership comes as no surprise given his family history rich in advocacy, education, political leadership, and a tradition of service to others. Malcolm’s great-grandfather was a pastor and early civil rights advocate. During the 1960’s civil right movement, Malcolm’s grandfather marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and was a civil rights leader in Waco, Texas, and Seattle, Washington. Malcolm’s father, Mitchell, is a lawyer and mediator; his mother, Jann Adams, is an associate vice president at Morehouse College, an all male, historically black college with a long history of developing social justice leaders. Both of Malcolm’s brothers, Gino and John, are practicing attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia.

In addition to his undergraduate degree in History, Malcolm earned a Master’s in Public Policy and Leadership from the University of Virginia and was named the 2016 Ernest H. Ern Distinguished Student in recognition of his outstanding academics and leadership, as well as his commitment to the traditions of the University.  

On June 23, 2016, Malcolm was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 36th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. To conclude his rookie season, Malcolm was named the 2016–17 NBA Rookie of the Year, along with being a unanimous selection to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. On July 6, 2019, he signed with the Indiana Pacers. 

Malcolm understands his platform is an opportunity to share his experiences and passions, partner with other committed allies, and support efforts that empower others to live their best lives.

"We are transforming people's lives. I am focused on creating opportunities that allow people to live better lives and achieve their potential.”