The NBA All-Star weekend draws visitors from all over the world. It can’t compare to any other sports all-star event because Black culture is what makes the NBA truly unique. Truly the weekend has roots in Black history. Consider these historic moments:
#1: Spud Webb Shocks The World
Spud Webb had to overcome constant ridicule that at 5’7” he was too short to play in the NBA. But Webb’s miraculous dunks during his 1986 dunk contest victory shocked the world and proved that we shouldn't let ourselves be underestimated because of our physical appearance.
#2: Magic Returns
Before the start of the 1991–1992 NBA season, Magic Johnson announced his retirement from the league after finding out he tested positive for HIV. Months later in the 1992 All-Star game, he surprised all of us by coming out of retirement to win the game’s MVP award. Johnson’s continued determination not to let his condition hold him down remains inspirational.
#3 Michael Jordan Passes The Torch To Kobe Bryant
It was 1998 when Kobe made his first All-Star appearance and MJ’s last All-Star appearance with the Chicago Bulls. At 19 years old, Bryant showed the world what he could do and reminded us that our greatness extends across the generations.
Black culture helped preserve the joy surrounding the NBA All-Star game. Just imagine what we can achieve when we seek to preserve the joy in Black culture every single day.