Nu Origins
Kobe’s Impact on the Black Community Outweighs Controversy
The world has been in mourning following the tragic death of Kobe Bryant. Bryant along with his 13 year old daughter Gianna and 7 other passengers including the pilot were killed in a helicopter crash.
Bryant’s death has been a massive blow to not only his basketball fans and NBA players, his passing has impacted the world. His global outreach was remarkable but other than his family, nobody felt the pain of Bryant’s passing harder than the black community. Kobe Bryant was a symbol of Black excellence that was forged from blood, sweat, and tears. He stood as a symbol of hope in the Black community that if you believe in yourself, be relentless, and work hard you could make it out the hood.
Accusations against Black icons, always seem to permanently tarnish their brand and reputation, whether they are true or not.
Various outlets, such as NBC, Washington Post, ABC.NET, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and more have revisited and publicized Bryant’s 2004 sexual assault case, saying that this aspect of his life cannot be ignored.
Elvis & Teenage Wife Priscilla Beaulieu
However, when Elvis Presley or David Bowie are remembered, this aspect of their past are not held against them, especially in death. Both white men faced accusations of sexual conduct with underage females. Elvis Presley is still regarded as the so called “King of Rock and Roll” despite having sexual relations with Priscialla Presley at age 15.
Even in death the black man cannot get a break!
Yes, Kobe Bryant’s sexual assault case should be mentioned… As another tale of how white women’s spew of lies can become a death sentence for black man in America. Ask Emmit Till.
(Photo credit : VINCENT LAFORET/AFP/Getty Images)
We the Black community will continue to remember Kobe Bryant as an intellect, philanthropist, and phenomenal father who loved his daughters just as much as any possible son. Kobe Bryant will be remembered as the tenacious, determined, fearless man who evolved from making air balls in the playoffs as a rookie, to a 5 time NBA champion.
It was always well known that Kobe Bryant idolized Michael Jordan, studying his game in every detail, even copying some of Jordan’s mannerisms at one point.
However In the post Michael Jordan era of basketball, even with Lebron James’ excellence and dominance, it was Kobe that the black community and the world looked up to.
He embodied all that of his idol and arguably surpassed Michael Jordan. In the later years of his career, Kobe became a mentor to players throughout the league such as Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyrie Irving.
When Irving heard the news of Bryant’s death, he immediately left Madison Square Garden in grief, even when the Nets were slated to play the Knicks. Irving was just one of the many players who sat out games in reaction to Bryant’s death.
League wide gestures have had players throughout the league informally retiring Bryant’s two jersey numbers, 8 & 24, switching their numbers if they had already donned the numbers.
Despite the fact that some media outlets have proven their insensitivity and disregard for a Legend, The Black community will continue to out pour of love and respect to our late and great legend. The Black Mamba was and will continue to be the basketball icon, father figure, and pioneer for the black community.
Below are a few heartfelt reactions of the Black Community to the loss of Kobe Bryant.
Rest In Power Kobe Bryant.
Peace & Blessings to his family.
Your Spirit Lives On.
Written by
Ubong Ekpo
