Dwyane recognizes his true accomplishments go far beyond the basketball court. The Wade Family Foundation provides resources and opportunities for youth from underserved communities and disadvantaged backgrounds. He uses his platform to help advance racial justice and LGBTQ equality and effectuate real change. In recognition of his social activism, he was featured on the 2020 TIME100 list, TIME’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, and as one of the special covers of the issue celebrating the list.
In 2016, he launched his Spotlight On initiative after the loss of his cousin to gun violence in Chicago. The initiative aims to give youth hope for a better future by shining a spotlight on youth in the community who are actively changing the city for the better and are empowering others to make change happen. He continued his activism against gun violence by supporting the Parkland students through March for Our Lives and launching a Parkland 17 art exhibit at Florida Art Walk.