The NBA’s all-time leading scorer turned author and political activist, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, is speaking on African-American history in Washington today.

The former Los Angeles Lakers center, 69, is a Muslim convert and has been active in discussions about race and Islam. 

The event at the National Press Club (529 14th St. NW) starts with lunch at 12:30 p.m. and remarks begin at 1 p.m., followed by a Q&A session.

At the final night of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July, Abdul-Jabbar introduced a film about the late Army Capt. Humayun Khan during the “Inclusive America” portion of the evening.

REI’s D.C. flagship store opening

On Wednesday, outdoor-gear retailer REI will open the doors of its new NOMA store for an exclusive in-store preview event. The party is invite-only and from 6 to 9 p.m. at the store’s location: the historic Washington Coliseum (201 M St. NE).

Final debate prep

Also on Wednesday, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have their final debate. Less than three weeks from Election Day, the two take the stage at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. The topics were announced last week by the Commission on Presidential Debates: debt and entitlements, immigration, the economy, the Supreme Court, international hot spots, and fitness to be president.

Email us where you’re watching and check back on Wednesday for a list of watch parties in D.C.

Happy birthday to…

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., 45.

Rep. Gene Green, D-Texas, 69.

And two Illinois Democrats share the same birthday: Reps. Cheri Bustos, 55, and Mike Quigley, 58.

What’s going on?

Have any tips, announcements or Hill happenings? Send them to AlexGangitano@cqrollcall.com.