By: BHS Features Staff
February 8, 2023
{1978-2020}
To begin this year’s Black History Month, the BHS Features Staff will start off with Kobe Bryant and all of his influence and accomplishments. Bryant is someone who stood up for what he believed in and touched the hearts of millions. No matter their race or age, he was an inspiration to all, especially avid basketball fans.
Kobe Bryant was born on August 23, 1978. He was known as the Black Mamba. He was a professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Lakers, a father of four beautiful children, and a husband to his wonderful wife, Vanessa Bryant. An incredible feat is that he was the youngest NBA player to ever start a game; he was 18-years-old.
Bryant wanted to be a professional basketball player from a very young age. His father was a basketball player in the NBA, and he was Kobe’s inspiration towards wanting to become one as well. Bryant played basketball at Lower Merion High School in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, where he earned multiple MVP awards and broke numerous records. After high school, he passed on college (with numerous scholarship offers) to enter his name in the NBA draft. He was the 13th pick in the 1996 draft but was later traded to his dream team: The Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe Bryant is a five-time NBA champion, and he also took the Slam Dunk title in 1997. Additionally, he has scored more points than any other guard in NBA history, including Michael Jordan. Hands down, he is one of the top 10 players of all time. To the younger generations, he is a top 5 player.
With all of his fame, stardom, and influence, Bryant’s life came to a sudden and tragic end. On January 26, 2020, he and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, along with others, were flying to a girls basketball tournament when their chartered helicopter crashed into the mountains West of Los Angeles. Fog was plentiful, and federal safety officials blamed pilot error for the crash.
Why is Kobe Bryant inspirational? He was dedicated to basketball, his main passion. Also, he was and still is a true icon, and his story of perseverance is an inspiration to people all over the world. He also had a tremendous work ethic and frequently answered the call when necessary.
These are just a few of the many reasons to be inspired by the Black Mamba.
[Information for this feature can be located at Illuminerdi.com and at NBA.com.]
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