The late Kobe Bryant joins a list of other prominent figures in American history getting their own statue in the National Garden of American Heroes amid Black History Month.
BREAKING: President Trump has announced that a statue of Kobe Bryant will be placed in the National Garden of American Heroes
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 20, 2025
In a historic announcement, President Donald Trump declared that Kobe Bryant, the late Lakers legend, will be honored with a statue in the National Garden of American Heroes.
President Trump announces the National Garden of American Heroes will have the following statues of African American icons:
– Harriet Tubman
– Rosa Parks
– Billie Holiday
– Aretha Franklin
– Coretta Scott King
– Frederick Douglass
– Jackie Robinson
– Martin Luther King Jr.
-… pic.twitter.com/DE0W7wuv8n— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 20, 2025
This prestigious tribute to Bryant will see the basketball icon alongside other prominent figures from diverse backgrounds, including civil rights leaders and sports legends.
As part of the celebrations during Black History Month, Bryant will join American heroes like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Muhammad Ali, both of whom will also be immortalized in the National Garden.
The National Garden of American Heroes, unveiled by President Trump in 2020, is dedicated to showcasing the most revered figures in American history.
Located on the grounds of the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the garden is designed to celebrate heroes from all walks of life, with statues, busts, and plaques commemorating their immense contributions to the country.
The inclusion of Kobe Bryant, whose contributions to American culture extend beyond the basketball court, reflects the nation’s recognition of his broader impact.
Bryant’s legacy in American history is undeniable.
An 18-time All-Star, five-time NBA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist,and the 2008 MVP, Bryant’s basketball achievements alone place him among the greatest athletes to ever live.
However, it is his influence off the court, particularly his ability to inspire and uplift others, that cements his status as a true American hero.
Bryant’s work ethic, his “Mamba Mentality,” taught generations of athletes and fans alike the value of perseverance, discipline, and excellence. His ability to maintain an unparalleled level of competitiveness for 20 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers made him a beloved figure across racial and cultural boundaries.
Bryant’s connection to American history runs deeper than his basketball accomplishments.
He played a key role in advocating for women’s sports, famously mentoring young athletes like Gigi Bryant, his daughter, who tragically passed with him in the helicopter crash.
His unwavering commitment to encouraging young talent and breaking barriers within the sports world demonstrated a legacy that transcended his athletic career. Bryant also embodied a new wave of professional athletes who leveraged their platform for social change, speaking out on issues from racial inequality to empowering underrepresented voices.
The National Garden’s other sports figures, including Muhammad Ali, are similarly known for their transformative influence. Ali, with his activism and unmatched boxing career, and Bryant, with his work both on and off the court, share a similar place in American culture as figures who redefined what it means to be a hero.
Bryant’s statue in the National Garden of American Heroes will serve as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary legacy—one that inspired millions, broke boundaries, and reminded us of the power of dreams.