By Brandon Nguyen
The Orange County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed Item 18 B. on August 11, declaring August 24 as Kobe Bryant Day.
NBA star Kobe Bryant, who lived in Newport Beach, California, and eight others were killed in a helicopter crash on January 26. Bryant’s death shocked the world and prompted many fans and friends to make tributes, such as former teammate Shaquille O’Neal dedicating a shrine made inside his house.
August 24 was chosen as Kobe Bryant day because his jersey numbers throughout his basketball career were 8 and 24.
“As we all remember this January, Kobe Bryant tragically lost his life… treasured member of our community, Kobe Bryant was a basketball legend that inspired so many young men and women to pursue their dreams and never give up,” Chairwoman Michelle Steel said.
Some have criticized the celebration of Bryant’s legacy because of his sexual assault charges against a 19-year-old woman in 2003 which Bryant claimed was consensual but admitted to adultery. The case was dropped when the accuser was unwilling to testify and ended in a settlement.
Those, however, supporting Kobe Bryant Day, such as Supervisor Don Wagner, say that “an individual’s life should not be judged by its worst day or only the worse elements in mind.”
“Kobe Bryant’s life… presents things of notes to celebrate and things to condemn,” Wagner said. “[T]oday, we celebrate the effort in overcoming those challenges.”
Some Fountain Valley High School students are already planning how to commemorate Kobe Bryant Day.
“[I’m going to] go to the gym and whoever I’m facing up against, I’m willing to outwork my opponent… [and] find a way to make them frustrated,” rising sophomore Frank Ruiz said, taking inspiration from Bryant’s training tactics.
