On January 26th 2020, legendary basketball player, Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven others tragically died in a helicopter crash. Of the endless accomplishments and records set in Bryant’s unparalleled career, some include being a seventeen time NBA All-Star, and scoring the league’s highest point total in one game, arguably his most remarkable accomplishment was being able to empower an entire generation of African-American youth in a racially divided society.

Kobe Bryant was drafted into the NBA at the humble age of seventeen. In the four years preceding his draft, the L.A riots took place(which were motivated by the beating of Rodney King by the LAPD) and the infamous trial of O.J Simpson occured.  The year Bryant was drafted, 1996, the average income for whites was 31% higher than income for blacks. Amid such national tension, Bryant was still able to break boundaries and he became the youngest person drafted to the NBA at that time. He continued to dispute negative racial stereotypes proving himself to be a sharp-witted, dignified prodigy. Still a teenager, Bryant had already solidified himself a cultural icon. In addition to being one of the most recognizable and respected basketball players, he also guest-starred on the popular teen sitcom, Moesha, and rapped on a remix of the classic 90’s hit, “Say My Name”, by Destiny’s Child.

Instead of letting his talent and fame get the best of him, Bryant used his platform to give back to his community; he became the spokesperson for “After School, All Stars” which provides enriching after-school programs for tens of thousands of children. At a time when the U.S was spending more money on incarcerating black youth than educating them, Bryant was an inspiring role-model for those experiencing the harmful effects of systematic racism. Bryan earned the respect of virtually everyone who knew of him; even in death, he continues to be a beacon of hope for young athletes.