The entire world is mourning. The State of California is broken. I don't need to write what the entire Universe already knows. Like me, people across nations tossed and turned thinking about this heart-wrenching tragedy. Everybody wants to ask the question we shouldn't. Why? Why him? Why them? Why fly? Why not: turn around? stay grounded? Why now? Why ever?
Nevertheless, through this dark cloud, it's more evident now than ever before that Energy is real and powerful. The way the world is mourning together just proves that we are all connected more than we know. Kobe’s calling proves that there is still big love and compassion in the world. Because humanity is still a thing.
The cumulative effort Sunday to concentrate and show respect to the victims, families, friends and even people not involved in the crisis, is a perfect example of how we do have space in our hearts to empathize and care for a stranger. Kobe’s nickname, “Mamba,” stemmed from the Black Mamba, a famous African snake known for its deadly venom, stealth approach, aggressive nature and its fearless reputation, which I'm sure Kobe echoed during his competitive athletic years, and after, with the same venomous power, in the Board room as a competitive businessman and publisher.
The magnitude of the deaths of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the seven other passengers on that helicopter is unfathomable. Full, bodacious lives cut short by the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the unforgivable. But the world will keep on turning. And as it does, I hope the hearts and compassion of young people, of all people, keep doing the same.
The Next Chapter: Black Mamba Marathon Reading Challenge
When Kobe Bryant was in high school, his English teacher assigned homework that called for students to create a short story and share it with Kindergarteners. The night before, Kobe had an AAU game and forgot to do the assignment. But on the way to the group, he made up a short story about dirty clothes under his bed. According to the parents of those Kindergarteners, the story was powerful, impactful and influenced the 5-year olds to clean their rooms.
Fast forward 20 years. Following an illustrious 20-year career in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, that homework assignment turned into a full-time job for Kobe Bryant. After his basketball career, Kobe Bryant created a media company that publishes sports fantasy books for youth. He's a firm believer that "the world revolves around storytelling" and that storytelling "serves an important role in our society."
Help keep Kobe Bryant's passion for storytelling alive. Participate in one of the #BrownTeensRead, Black Mamba Reading Challenges.
Nevertheless, through this dark cloud, it's more evident now than ever before that Energy is real and powerful. The way the world is mourning together just proves that we are all connected more than we know. Kobe’s calling proves that there is still big love and compassion in the world. Because humanity is still a thing.
The cumulative effort Sunday to concentrate and show respect to the victims, families, friends and even people not involved in the crisis, is a perfect example of how we do have space in our hearts to empathize and care for a stranger. Kobe’s nickname, “Mamba,” stemmed from the Black Mamba, a famous African snake known for its deadly venom, stealth approach, aggressive nature and its fearless reputation, which I'm sure Kobe echoed during his competitive athletic years, and after, with the same venomous power, in the Board room as a competitive businessman and publisher.
The magnitude of the deaths of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and the seven other passengers on that helicopter is unfathomable. Full, bodacious lives cut short by the unthinkable, the unimaginable, the unforgivable. But the world will keep on turning. And as it does, I hope the hearts and compassion of young people, of all people, keep doing the same.
The Next Chapter: Black Mamba Marathon Reading Challenge
When Kobe Bryant was in high school, his English teacher assigned homework that called for students to create a short story and share it with Kindergarteners. The night before, Kobe had an AAU game and forgot to do the assignment. But on the way to the group, he made up a short story about dirty clothes under his bed. According to the parents of those Kindergarteners, the story was powerful, impactful and influenced the 5-year olds to clean their rooms.
Fast forward 20 years. Following an illustrious 20-year career in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers, that homework assignment turned into a full-time job for Kobe Bryant. After his basketball career, Kobe Bryant created a media company that publishes sports fantasy books for youth. He's a firm believer that "the world revolves around storytelling" and that storytelling "serves an important role in our society."
Help keep Kobe Bryant's passion for storytelling alive. Participate in one of the #BrownTeensRead, Black Mamba Reading Challenges.
| Teachers On February 5th, World Read Aloud Day, 24 high school English teachers will read one of Kobe Bryant's books to students for 24 minutes as a symbolic gesture to honor Kobe, The Black Mamba, his jersey numbers, and his new legacy in publishing. Participating classes will receive prizes. Click the image to pledge. | Teens #BrownTeensRead will host a lock-in at a local library and challenge teens to read 24 chapters in 8 hours, nonstop, as a symbolic gesture to honor Kobe, The Black Mamba, his jersey numbers, and his new legacy in publishing. Eight winner will receive prizes. Click the image to pledge. |
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