KOBE BRYANT
Dear Basketball + His Cultural Impact
The afternoon of January 26th, 2020 is, and will forever be etched in the minds of fans across the globe.
This week marks the 1 year anniversary of Kobe Bryant’s passing. The late-great basketball phenom passed, along with his daughter, Gianna, an aspiring basketball star in her own right. They, along with her teammates, Alyssa Altobelli, Payton Chester, as well as their respective parents John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, and Sarah Chester, and pilot Ara Zobayan had fallen victim to a fatal plane crash in Calabasas, CA.
The news came early and often, with every report becoming more convincing than the last.
Fans of the basketball world didn’t believe it. His peers did not believe it. The world could not believe it.
And with the sudden end to the life of a Laker Legend only 41 years old, it was a devastating blow that started a year known for mourning.
Members of the Lakers organization went to the site and broke into tears. LeBron James, who surpassed Bryant on the all time scoring list, arrived on site and broke into tears.
Tributes around the NBA, WNBA, and College Basketball were made on behalf of the legend. UConn, a powerhouse of Women’s College Basketball, reserved a locker room spot, donned with a #2 jersey in honor of Gianna. The Barclays Center reserved seats where the Bryant’s once graced during a regular season game.
The tributes were capped off with a live memorial service, taking place where he once called home, the Staples Center. Everyone from Michael Jordan to his wife, Vanessa Bryant expressed their sentiments, with each speech more emotional than the next.
Since then, donations to the Mamba Academy were made by those touched by him in some way, shape or form. From his philanthropy, his impact with kids in his animated short Dear Basketball, his celebrity status in North America and China, and his insatiable play over his 20-year pro career.
The reach that Bryant had on society had shown a moment of unity in a year known for a great divide.
Bounded in grief at worst. And at best, gratitude; for a person who silenced critics on and off the court; from being criticized for not being a leader to now being one of the most quotable artists of our generation.
We’re welcome indeed.
It’s both amazing and unfortunate that he will not be given the flowers he earned while with us. Most importantly, for himself, it is unfortunate for a devoted husband and father, to not be given the luxury to ride off into the sunset.
However, like the others who had passed, he and his daughter Gianna leave behind a long-lasting legacy. Resting firmly with his wife Vanessa and daughters Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
Forever Gianna. Forever Kobe. Forever the Mamba.
