Points to Ponder: Black history month: Kobe Bryant (2024)

Points to Ponder: Black history month: Kobe Bryant (1)

Thu, 02/06/2020 - 12:00am

February is Black History Month. This designation by U.S. presidents has been in effect since the mid-70s. However, before becoming a monthlong celebration, the black community celebrated African-American accomplishments for one week known as “Negro History Week” during the week of Abraham Lincoln’s and Frederick Douglas’ birthdays.

It is essential to reflect on the integral roles of black people and their influence on American culture. This year, I would like to honor my community by celebrating an African-American every week during February. In light of the recent death of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant, I think it would be appropriate to start with him.

Just about everyone knows Kobe for his achievements in basketball and specifically with the Lakers. Even the great Michael Jordan acknowledged his skills as he was able to go toe-to-toe with some of the best. He had a way of making the impossible possible, and he did it with grace.

Life wasn’t just about basketball for Kobe. Life was about lifting others. One of his top philanthropic cause was homelessness. In addition to the support he provided to the homeless through his family foundation, Kobe and his wife Vanessa donated and served at My Friend’s Place, a resource center serving homeless youth 12 through 25 in the Los Angeles area. Other philanthropic projects Kobe contributed to included soccer to encourage youth to lead an active lifestyle; he was a national ambassador for After-School All-Stars—an organization that helps youth achieve academic success; he donated money and volunteered with organizations focused on inner-city youth where he challenged others to “help children dream big,” and he was a principal benefactor for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture located in Washington, D.C. Kobe was dedicated to many more causes that left his imprint on earth during his 41 years here.

Kobe’s influence and reach were remarkable. He has set an example of servant leadership that others may follow as a contribution to his legacy. I close my salute to him with his words about life. “Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged. You have to keep moving. You have to keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, smile, and just keep on rolling.”

Rest in peace, Kobe.

Points to Ponder: Black history month: Kobe Bryant (2024)

FAQs

Why is Kobe Bryant important in history? ›

Bryant became one of the NBA's most popular players and the face of the Lakers during his career. Winning a record four NBA All-Star Game MVP awards, he was the overall league MVP in 2008, a two-time NBA scoring champion and 12 All-Defensive selections.

What did Kobe Bryant do to help the world? ›

Bryant volunteers his time to Make-A-Wish Foundation, NBA Cares and The Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and serves as an ambassador for After-School All-Stars. In 2007, he launched the Kobe Basketball Academy, at which he mentors and trains athletes ages 8-18.

How has Kobe inspired people? ›

**Work Ethic and Mentality:** Kobe was known for his unparalleled work ethic and "Mamba Mentality," which emphasized relentless dedication to improvement, resilience, and a competitive mindset. This attitude has inspired many players to push their limits and strive for excellence.

What lessons can we learn from Kobe Bryant? ›

If there was one thing that made Kobe successful, it was his ability to stick with it. In other words, he would persevere through adversity and rely on his grit to overcome obstacles. He had a mindset of not giving in to anyone or anything. You must keep going when it gets tough.

What is Kobe Bryant's legacy? ›

Bryant's legacy lives on with the Los Angeles Lakers, with the NBA and WNBA (both leagues have awards in honor of him), with Nike and with the Mamba and Mambacita Foundation.

What is Kobe Bryant remembered for? ›

The all-time leading scorer in Lakers history, Bryant was the first guard in NBA history to play 20 seasons. His 18 All-Star designations are the third most all time, and Bryant has the second most consecutive appearances as a starter.

What was the most important thing to Kobe Bryant? ›

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.”

Why is Kobe important to black history? ›

Other philanthropic projects Kobe contributed to included soccer to encourage youth to lead an active lifestyle; he was a national ambassador for After-School All-Stars—an organization that helps youth achieve academic success; he donated money and volunteered with organizations focused on inner-city youth where he ...

What did Kobe do for "make a wish"? ›

He previously worked for Complex Magazine in New York City. Kobe Bryant was just as prolific at granting Make-A-Wish requests as he was on the court. The late NBA legend is credited with granting more than 200 requests for the Make-A-Wish Foundation in his two decades with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Why was Kobe Bryant a hero? ›

Because of Bryant,NBA players are getting their achievement. Kobe Bryant impacted NBA through the achievements and speeches. His work in the NBA completed lots of rewards. Kobe Bryant was an important person in history because of his Achievements,Career,Challenges/Overcoming Obstacles.

What is Kobe famous for? ›

The city is the place of origin of the world famous Kobe beef, and is home to Japan's most famous hot spring resort: Arima Onsen. Most breeds of Japanese Wagyu beef are associated with the area in which the cattle are raised – hence, Kobe beef is the breed of Wagyu from Kobe.

What was Kobe Bryant's greatest achievement? ›

A dominant scorer, Bryant won five NBA championships and the 2008 MVP Award with the Los Angeles Lakers. Although later seasons were marred by injuries, he surpassed Michael Jordan for third place on the NBA all-time scoring list in December 2014 and retired in 2016 after scoring 60 points in his final game.

What number was Kobe Bryant known for? ›

Bryant wore 24 at Lower Merion High School before being drafted by the Hornets, traded to the Lakers, and being a part of a championship team wearing number 8. He continued his hall of fame caliber career wearing #24 in 2006.

Why was Kobe important to the world? ›

Bryant earned a name for himself by displaying his incredible work ethic and leadership skills and is considered one of the best basketball players of all time. While playing, he was a four-time MVP and 18-time All-Star and won five NBA championships.

How did Kobe change society? ›

“As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe's spotlight was brighter than almost anyone's, and he used it to help millions of kids. For 12 years he was an ambassador for After-School All-Stars, and he used his time and his resources to inspire our 90,000 kids and help build opportunities for them.

Why is Kobe such a good role model? ›

Kobe Bryant always wanted to get better. He wanted to be the best he could in every aspect of his life that he could be. After his playing days he would take college courses on various different subjects. You see, Bryant saw the value in a college education; it was a part of his life he could improve.

How did Kobe inspire you? ›

Kobe inspired millions of people around the world through his remarkable achievements, work ethic, and leadership. Kobe coined the term Mamba Mentality to describe his approach to the game and life. It represents a mindset of constant improvement, resilience, and determination.

What Kobe Bryant taught us? ›

Never let the same obstacle/opponent stop you twice.

He constantly worked to improve his skills and studied his opponents so that he could understand his own weaknesses, where they attacked him, and how he could turn those weaknesses into strengths.

What is an important fact about Kobe Bryant? ›

American basketball player Kobe Bryant was widely celebrated as one of basketball's all-time greats. His luminous professional career included five NBA championship wins with the Los Angeles Lakers, 18 All-Star selections, and two straight seasons (2005–06 and 2006–07) atop the league's scoring charts.

What is the main idea of Kobe Bryant? ›

The Mamba Mentality encompasses a mindset that doesn't focus solely on achieving a goal. Instead, it looks at the whole process of getting there – the journey – to the extent that it becomes, as Kobe himself said, “a way of life.”

What is a quote that Kobe Bryant said? ›

Kobe Bryant Quotes. Everyting negative - pressure, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise. The mindset isn't about seeking a result—it's more about the process of getting to that result. It's about the journey and the approach.

What was Kobe Bryant's nickname and why? ›

Kobe Bryant's nickname is "The Black Mamba," a name he gave himself. But for Bryant, the moniker was more than a nickname. It was an alter-ego he created to get through the lowest point of his career.

Why is Kobe Bryant a role model? ›

Kobe Bryant always wanted to get better. He wanted to be the best he could in every aspect of his life that he could be. After his playing days he would take college courses on various different subjects. You see, Bryant saw the value in a college education; it was a part of his life he could improve.

What made Kobe Bryant a great leader? ›

By staying open-minded and having respect for others, Kobe was able to lead his teammates to their greatest successes. He also understood the importance of self-reflection and taking time to evaluate how he could continue to improve as a leader.

What makes Kobe Bryant a hero? ›

He is considered a hero because he has the trait of being determined, fearless, and inspirational. Kobe Bryant's was successful because of his determined mindset.

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