5 Kobe Bryant Quotes He Used Against Racism In The United States (2024)

Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant has always made sure to use his platform to impact racial change. Throughout his 20 year career in the NBA, the five-time champion was a leader in his own right and made it a point to add to the social commentary with regards to social justice and positive change in society.

Here are some of the best quotes from Kobe Bryant to call out racism.

5. I Can't Breathe (2014)

In 2014, an African-American male named Eric Garner was brutally killed in the hands of the police. Garner was put on a chokehold by one of the police officers during his arrest. The 43-year old exclaimed “I can't breathe” a total of 11 times before he ultimately suffocated to death. A grand jury eventually decided not to indict the officer responsible for the killing of Garner which eventually caused multiple protests around the country.

Later that year against the Sacramento Kings, Kobe Bryant arranged for his team to put on shirts with Garner's last words written on them for pre-game warmups and throughout the game while on the bench. A movement which also included other players and teams like Derrick Rose formerly of the Chicago Bulls as well as LeBron James and his former team of Cleveland Cavaliers.

“I think it would be a serious disservice to limit this to a race issue. It’s a justice issue,” said Bryant after the game (h/t LA Times). “We have the ability to question these things in a peaceful fashion. That’s what makes us a great country. We have the ability to voice up, we have the platform to speak up and we have the platform to affect change.”

(c/o LA Times)

4. Ferguson Decision (2014)

In the same year, another African-American male was brutally killed by a cop after supposedly getting into an altercation and resisting arrest. Michael Brown Jr. had a run-in with officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri which eventually caused the 18-year old's death. Brown was shot six times, all in the front part of his body and Wilson claimed that it was self-defense. Wilson's stand was later on supported by both a grand jury and the US Justice Department.

This incident had the whole world reeling once again, including the Lakers star.

“The system enables young black men to be killed behind the mas of law” Bryant tweeted.

The system enables young black men to be killed behind the mask of law #Ferguson #tippingpoint #change

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) November 25, 2014

See Also

26 BEST Kobe Bryant Quotes (On Basketball, Teamwork...)86 Kobe Bryant Quotes That’ll Inspire & Motivate You to Success - Some Think Of Value20 of Kobe Bryant's greatest inspirational quotes | Sporting News24 Kobe Bryant Quotes That Will Always Keep You Motivated

3. Colin Kaepernick (2016)

When former San Franciso 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem, Kobe Bryant was all-in. The vocal signal-caller took a stand by peacefully protesting police brutality which caused a lot of controversy in the world of sports. Kaepernick was eventually released by the 49ers which had the entire world split on whether or not the athlete-turned-activist deserved to be virtually jobless.

“I think what Colin Kaepernick stood for is the epitome of doing what he believes is right,” Bryant told The Undefeeated (h/t essentiallysports.com). “Having the bravery to do that is something we should all stand for.”

Bryant was in full support of the footballer's decisions, not just about peacefully protesting in-game but to continuously fight for what he believed in even outside the gridiron. The Laker legend even joined Kaepernick's pledge to raise money for youth services in Philadelphia in 2018, Bryant's hometown.

(c/o Essentially Sports)

“It gives a sense of urgency. It wasn’t like the issues weren’t there already,”Bryant added.“But I think when Colin initiated what he did, it brought a sense of urgency and a sense of call to action. An immediacy that wasn’t there before. It brought it to a national level. Something that cannot be ignored anymore.”

2. Core Issues (2018)

The 18-time NBA All-Star always found ways to make himself heard whether on or off the court and this is exactly what he did in front of a forum in Mexico in 2018. Bryant said that his countrymen shouldn't lose focus on the real issues as he added his perspective on the debate on racial equality and justice in the United States.

“We can't get lost in the process. People are using to raise awareness, for example (Colin) Kaepernick not standing up for the flag.” Bryant said (per sportskeeda.com)

Kobe made sure that people should zero in on what the protesters are saying rather than focusing on the different methods.

“Why are we having the protests? Why is the conversation turning to a dark place? If we can focus on the core issues, then we can get things resolved,” he added.

1. Growing Up in Italy (2019)

On one of his last few in-depth interviews before his tragic passing, Kobe opened up on his own racism struggles when he was growing up. Kobe's family moved to Italy when he was six and the former NBA star spent a decent period of his formative years in the city of Rieti. Which, according to Bryant, was quite hard for a young African-American.

“When I was growing up in Italy, I've obviously witnessed it first-hand going to certain soccer matches and things of that nature,” Bryant told Calum Trenaman of CNN. “My parents have taught me and educated me on how to deal with those sorts of things.”

Bryant zeroed in on how racism has to be fully understood through proper education since it's been part of the world's culture for quite a while now. He mentions that education should always be the key when tackling a complex issue such a racism and how proper education can open up opportunities for people, especially athletes, to speak their minds and fight for what they believe in.