Remembering Kobe Bryant II

Kobe and his father Joe Bryant

Kobe Bean Bryant was born on August 23, 1978 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the youngest child and only son of NBA star Joe "Jellybean"Bryant and Pamela Bryant. His parents named him after the famous beef of Kobe, Japan which they saw on a restaurant menu. Kobe started playing basketball at the age of three. The Lakers were his favorite team. When Kobe's father retired from the NBA and moved his family to Kieti in Italy to continue playing professional basketball. The family resided in Reggio, Calabrita, then to Pistotia and Reggio Emilia. While living here Kobe became fluent in Italian. Kobe stated on many occasions that he was fond of Reggio Emilia. He also said that some of his best childhood memories were made here. While living overseas his grandfather would send him tapes of NBA games. Additionally, he learned to play soccer. Kobe spent his summers in the US to play in a basketball summer league. By the time he was 13 years old his family moved back to Philadelphia.

Kobe and his older sisters

Kobe Bryant and his mother Pamela Bryant

Kobe became a high school sensation at Lower Marion high school from 1992-1996. He took Brandy to the prom and decided to skip college to pursue his dream of being an NBA basketball player. While navigating his new life in the NBA Kobe made appearances on popular tv shows such as All That, Moesha,etc. He also made an appearance in Destiny's Child's "Bug-a-Boo" video. Kobe even pursued a rap career. (That still makes me laugh). No disrespect but it was funny to watch. In November 1999 Kobe Bryant met his wife Vanessa while she was working as a background dancer on the The Eastsidaz "G'd Up." They began dating and became engaged in May 2000. They were married a year later in April 2001 at St. Edward the Confessor Catholic in Dana, Port California. 

Kobe and Vanessa 1999

Kobe Bryant's Family

Kobe and Gigi

Kobe and Vanessa had four beautiful daughters. Natalia was born in 2003, Gianni"Gigi" was born in May 2006, Biankia born December 2016, and Capri born in June 2019.



Toni's Thoughts: I wanted to share these beautiful images of Kobe and his family and check out the video links below. We knew Kobe as NBA God, popular culture figure, and businessmen. But he was a beloved son, brother, and father. Enjoy these clips below. I will dedicate two more post to Kobe. There is an attack on his legacy and that must be protected and fought against.


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Kobe teaching Gigi the Game ( I love this moment it went viral on social media)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PuczDyTA4DE


Kobe Celebrating The Eagles Superbowl win with his daughter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAzJa0DifLs

Gigi and Biankia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7Jd8--EeEg


When Kobe and Vanessa Met
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bJeXS-_PBY