Kobe Bryant's Eulogy

Sunday morning January 26, 2020, we lay a king of the National Basketball Association to rest, God bless his spirit, Kobe Bean Bryant. A true hero to youth and a significant idol to many black males all around the world. Today we lay him to rest.

Killed in a helicopter crash headed to a game with friends and family, his family being his daughter Gianna, she was only 13 years old, and Kobe 41. Stories such as these are truly heart wrenching to read about in the news and on social media. When you lose a hero, who do you cry to? Where do you turn? Who will even compare to such a warm LEGEND?! I have never followed his legacy nor have I ever watched any of his games...Yet I am here with a heavy heart still trying to pull myself out of disbelief because KOBE BEAN BRYANT CANNOT BE GONE. If I never even cared to watch one of his games why is my energy so blue? I am down because Kobe was a legend to the brothers of my community. I grew up with young men that idolized this man. Kobe gave them hope of a better future. They believed in the possibility of getting into the NBA at 17 because of Kobe. Kobe paved the way by giving them a story to believe in, he was all the living proof that they needed to come to practice early and stay late just to put the extra work in. Kobe inspired them to develop a harder and meaner work ethic because if you want it you have to go and TAKE IT! Men like Kobe are the men we need in broken communities because when you wake up every day with no hope or belief in the “impossible” you will turn to the “possible”. When you have adults telling you what you can and can’t do, men like Kobe give you the hope that it is possible and can be achieved. With the absence of a good role model you subconsciously set limits to what you believe is a realistic goal. My village is hurting right now. I can feel it. I hear the tears and I see the heartache. I am so sorry we have to endure this grief right now. I am so sorry your son has lost the only man who told him to keep dreaming. I am so sorry to all the men that go hoop in the gym because Kobe inspired them to pick up the rock and sink it into the net. Hero's like Kobe will not go unnoticed and they will not be forgotten. His name will ring from the highest tower and the deepest trenches. He will live in a voice on this planet for as long as humans walk it. To his family...I can’t begin to express my sorrow and love. I have hope that you all will find the courage to keep pushing and tell the world how much you love Kobe and Gianna. IT WAS NOT THEIR TIME! They both had many years left on this planet and they were taken too soon. Find the strength to keep living for them to keep the legacy alive.

Kobe Bryant was more than a basketball star, he was a father, a husband, a friend, a creator, and most importantly a role model for all kids, but especially young black males. If Kobe Bryant was your role model do not let his death cause your head to hang low and bare a heavy heart. “When you make a choice and say ‘come hell or high water, I am going to be this’, then you should not be surprised when you do that. It should not be something that is intoxicating or out of character because you have seen this moment for so long...when that moment comes, of course, it is here because it has been [in your mind] the whole time.”(Kobe Bryant) When you feel low or when you want to give up because you meet a roadblock let his words sing in your ears and dance in your heart. You are meant to be whatever it is that you want, so get up, get out, and make it happen. This moment in time definitely feels tragic and unfair, but Kobe never lived in despair every moment on the court he gave his all no matter the score. Kobe had the mentality of a winner and learned something from him. We all will win no matter who leaves this planet because the power is instilled in us at birth. Unlock your awaiting potential and LIVE LIKE KOBE!!

With Love,

Dallas Sumrall

Professional and Public Writing (major)

Women and Gender studies (minor)

Class of 2022