I’m thankful that I grew up in a truly remarkable town with many basketball courts. Throughout my upbringing, playing basketball was a way to heal, network and promote self discovery.

“Back in the day,” competition was always brewing at the town Common, Veteran’s Park, Sowams Park, the Community Center (downtown) and Colt State Park. I’m grateful that I contributed to the beautiful culture here.

Recently, Kobe Bryant passed. The retired NBA star, 41, and his daughter, Gianna, were among nine people in a helicopter that crashed near Calabasas, Calif., on Jan 26. This completely devastated the basketball community.

“I’m Not Ready but here I go. Man I sitting here trying to write something for this post but every time I try I begin crying again just thinking about you, niece Gigi and the friendship/bond/brotherhood we had!” Lebron James wrote on Instagram.

Basketball unifies local communities and it encourages work ethic. In retrospect, I utilized the work ethic I developed here, mostly playing basketball, to accomplish some major life goals.

For instance, I’ve performed stand up at some of Los Angeles’ most prolific comedy clubs. I also earned the opportunity to join SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television Radio Artists).

Accomplishments require tremendous amounts of hard work and sacrifice, like winning upset basketball games. I certainly felt uneasy about Kobe Bryant’s sudden death. Therefore, I decided to write this to further represent my gratitude, who inspired so many, including the local basketball community. Many individuals who were in this community grew up to become noteworthy figures as well, such as musicians, business owners, police officers, scholars, members of the military, etc.

We also lost notable members growing up, including Joseph Cintron. Cintron was an optimistic, charismatic and a passionate individual. He always wanted to see his community flourish. How Kobe Bryant conducted himself, his will-to-win and his love for his family, are exceptional and infectious.

At 41, Bryant accomplished so much. Yet he would have done so much more. As we mourn, let’s dutifully celebrate his life and strive to be the champions of our own stories.

Nate Luis Silva
Warren