+
Sign up for
The Upworthiest
Our top stories of the day delivered straight to your inbox.
upworthy

Video game company saves iconic Kobe and Gianna Bryant memorial mural from being destroyed

"It's about using your platform to do good."

Kobe Bryant Gianna Bryant mural
Photo by Kimberly Katz

The iconic Kobe and Gianna mural in downtown Los Angeles

When Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna died tragically in January 2020, the world lost not only one of the most revered basketball players in history but someone who had become a true icon of his adopted hometown of Los Angeles.

Public transit buses around the city paid tribute to Bryant and his family and everyone from former teammates to average citizens shared in a public grieving process. Part of that process was aided by a truly memorable piece of artwork created by Louie Palsino, known professionally as Sloe Motions, on the wall of local gym Hardcore Fitness in downtown Los Angeles.



Kobe Bryant Gianna Bryant mural

The iconic Kobe and Gianna mural in downtown Los Angeles

Photo by Kimberly Katz

The mural shows Bryant with his arm around his daughter Gianna, both bearing angelic wings and a glowing aura behind them as they hover above the clouds. For the past three years, the mural has taken on international acclaim and become a regular stop for fans around the world, just a short stop from Crypto Arena, where the Lakers play their home games.

However, when it was revealed that the mural was set to be taken down and replaced with advertising, fans assumed a critical tribute to the late Bryant father and daughter would be lost forever, adding an extra sting to the loss of one of LA’s most important figures.

When hope for saving the mural seemed lost, video game company 2K Games stepped in to take action. 2K is one of the most successful gaming enterprises in the world, and perhaps most famous to millions of gaming and basketball fans for their NBA2K series of games. 2K’s Digital Marketing Director Ronnie Singh, aka Ronnie 2K to his millions of fans across social media, knew something had to be done.

"It's about using your platform to do good," Singh told Upworthy in an interview.

First, 2K spotlighted a Change.org petition to raise awareness, gathering more than 91,000 signatures from people who wanted to preserve the mural. And then Ronnie and 2K engaged in direct talks with the owner of Hardcore Fitness about how they might find a way to keep the mural in place. Eventually, 2K made an agreement with Hardcore Fitness owner for an undisclosed amount to keep the mural in place for at least one more year.

"It's not a mural about a random thing," Singh said. "It means a lot to a lot of people. His legacy continues on and it's powerful to see people show up and support this."

During a ribbon cutting ceremony in front of the mural, Ronnie 2K explained that the decision was part of his philosophy of putting action before words. It was an especially personal move for Singh, as Kobe Bryant is this year’s cover athlete for NBA2K.

While mostly known for his active social media presence and involvement with the gaming world, Singh has been actively directing 2K’s charitable work through its 2K Foundations, which has been engaging in various acts of giving back in the United States and around the globe. Even within the game itself, 2K engaged directly with its player base back in 2020 to help fans through the grieving process after Bryant’s death.

Kobe Bryant mural Los Angeles

Fans and press gather to celebrate the preservation of a Kobe Bryant mural in downtown LA

Photo by Kimberly Katz

While the mural is technically only preserved for one year, Singh says he hopes the move will help inspire fans and other businesses to find a long-term solution to saving the iconic artwork. "Hopefully this will be an inspiration for people to jump in," Sing said. "It's about action over words."

Even for non-basketball fans, it’s a powerful message about honoring art over commerce and paying tribute to a legendary figure whose memory is still a powerful part of millions of people’s lives. Bryant himself had moved directly into the creative world in the years before his passing, producing the 2017 animated short film "Dear Basketball" which won an Oscar that year.

As dozens of fans gathered around the mural on a Thursday afternoon, the shared joy over its preservation was obvious. Even though Bryant is no longer with us as a person, the sense of community shared in a beautiful piece of artwork created to honor the legacy of him and daughter Gianna is one that brings people together with a positive message.

Bryant was always vocal about his personal dedication to putting in hard work and getting things done. And with their gesture, Ronnie Singh and 2K set in motion an act of service that will hopefully grow to other organizations and inspire Bryant’s fans around the world to stay active in their communities on and off the court. Kobe Bryant’s legacy as a basketball player will be with us forever. And by preserving the mural dedicated to his memory, it's a wonderful step toward making the legacy be one about action, community and giving back.

Science

Astronaut shares the profound 'big lie' he realized after seeing the Earth from space

This change in perspective could change humanity.

via Rubén Moreno Montolíu/Flickr

Our home, from space.

Sixty-one years ago, Yuri Gagarin became the first human to make it into space and probably the first to experience what scientists now call the "overview effect." This change occurs when people see the world from far above and notice that it’s a place where “borders are invisible, where racial, religious and economic strife are nowhere to be seen.”

The overview effect makes man’s squabbles with one another seem incredibly petty and presents the planet as it truly is, one interconnected organism.

Keep ReadingShow less
space
Internet

The interesting reason British and Australian people sing in North American accents

It happens to other English speaking people from other countries too.

Dave Huxtable|YouTube

The reason British and Australian people sing in American accents

Music is something that crosses all barriers, including the language barrier. It's so much easier to learn songs in a foreign language than it is to actually learn the language itself. But there's something interesting that happens for people who normally speak with an accent when singing. Suddenly their accents are gone.

Some of the biggest singers in America didn't grow up in the United States and yet when they sing, they do so with an American accent. Lewis Capaldi, Ed Sheeran, Adele and Harry Styles to name a few, are all from England with the exception of Capaldi, who hails from Scotland. They're some of the most popular singers in the world but their speaking accents are drastically different than their singing accents. But why is that?

Dave Huxtable, a language coach explores why singers who aren't from North America, sing as if they are in a video uploaded to his YouTube channel.

Keep ReadingShow less
british singers american accents
Family

Son tells mom that he's 'scared of her' and she responds with a great lesson in parenting

'I know this might be a little shocking but I do sometimes actually find you a little scary.'

Raisingself TikTok screenshots

Son tells mom that he's scared of her and the exchange is parenting goals.

Parenting is a hard gig regardless of whether you planned to have children or they were a happy surprise. As many parenting books as there are out there, none of them have the perfect equation to get it right and most parents do the best with what they learned, or unlearned, from their own parents.

Samantha, a parenting content creator on TikTok under the name Raising Self, has been working hard to overcome generational trauma and parent her children differently. Recently she was doing a live video to interact with her followers when one of her children made a stunning revelation: he was scared of her.

You could tell by her expression that his confession was a surprise, and though her son barely took his eyes off the video game he was playing, the two had a very meaningful dialogue. Instead of being upset or even happy that her child was fearful, she responded with curiosity.

Keep ReadingShow less
parenting
Family

Woman fed up with wasteful holiday 'giving' proposes a new way to celebrate the season

"Gifting in America has become insane. So I’m changing my ways."

via Cottonbro Studio/Pexels

A woman buying gifts for her nephews.

After becoming fed up with the material nature of the holiday season, a Redditor who goes by Somanycatsinhere, shared how she is putting her money towards things that matter rather than mindlessly buying gifts. Even though everyone's situation differs, the post is an excellent reminder that we don’t have to give someone a store-bought gift reflexively. Instead, we can focus on getting something they actually need.

“I’m over buying gifts to be thrown away or donated,” she started her post. “I decided I’m done.”

The Redditor explained she usually visits her family a few weeks before the holidays for a joint Thanksgiving and “Early Christmas” celebration, and this year, she took a different approach to gift-giving.

“I made a visit to my sister with my 3 amazing nieces. … The kids have everything they can need or want: toys and clothing-wise—and it’s all so overwhelming. The kids don’t even play with most of it. It’s just piled up everywhere,” she wrote.

Keep ReadingShow less
holiday gifts
Democracy

The night before his murder, JFK became the first president to meet with Latino leaders

The historic meeting was overshadowed by the horrors of November 22, 1963.

via Cecil Stoughton. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston

President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy greet attendees of a dinner held by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) at the Rice Hotel in Houston, Texas. Master of Ceremonies, John J. Herrera, stands at far right; Mariachi musicians play at left.

November 22, 2023, will mark the 60th anniversary of one of the most horrific moments in American history, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The anniversary has been greeted by a host of new documentaries and renewed interest in the conspiracies surrounding the assassination.

One historic moment from Kennedy’s short but consequential presidency occurred on the last night of his life, Thursday, November 21, 1963. That night, Kennedy, his wife Jacqueline, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, and his wife, Lady Bird, visited a formal dinner in Houston, Texas, held by LULAC — the League of United Latin American Citizens. The event featured a welcoming party of Mexican-American World War II veterans, including Medal of Honor recipient Macario García.

Keep ReadingShow less
john f. kennedy

Transforming Spaces: Expand Furniture's space-saving wonders are redefining living areas

Expand your living space with these ingenious furniture solutions for modern homes

In today's world, where urban dwellings are increasingly compact, maximizing limited living space has never been more pressing. Enter Expand Furniture, a trailblazer transforming tight quarters into versatile, stylish living areas.

This company is not just about furniture; it's about reinventing your home's potential, regardless of size. In this feature, we're diving into a trio of their ingenious creations – each designed to unfold new possibilities in your living space.

From multifunctional tables to sofas that do more than just sit there, prepare to be amazed by solutions that are as smart and adaptable as your lifestyle demands. Let’s unfold how Expand Furniture turns the concept of 'less is more' into a living reality.

The Junior Giant Table

Junior Giant revolution extending dinner table from Expand Furniture on Vimeo.

Imagine a sleek console table, quietly sitting in your cozy studio apartment, that magically transforms into a grand dining table fit for a family feast. This isn't a scene from a futuristic movie—it's the Junior Giant Table from Expand Furniture.

At first glance, it's a compact, stylish console, but with a few simple adjustments, it becomes a spacious table that can comfortably seat up to 12 people. Perfect for those impromptu dinner parties or family gatherings in small spaces.

The genius of the Junior Giant lies in its five extension leaves, each seamlessly connecting with built-in magnets, expanding your dining space without the hassle. Whether you're hosting a romantic dinner for two or a lively gathering, this table adapts to your needs, proving that your living space's size doesn't limit your hospitality.

This table isn't just about saving space; it's about expanding possibilities, turning every meal into an event and every home into a haven of functionality and style.

MurphySofa Migliore: 2 Seat Sofa in Fabric

Murphy Sofa - Milgiore.mov from Expand Furniture on Vimeo.

Nestled comfortably in the corner of your urban oasis is the MurphySofa Migliore, a two-seater that's more than just a cozy spot to unwind. It's a masterclass in design, blending functionality with a flair for the modern. With its sleek lines and plush fabric, this sofa is a statement piece that doesn't scream for attention but effortlessly commands it.

But here's the real magic: the MurphySofa Migliore is a perfect companion to Murphy beds, making it a space-saving superhero. Imagine transforming your living room into a bedroom without the usual furniture shuffle. This sofa gracefully slides or folds away, harmonizing with the Murphy bed to optimize your space without compromising style or comfort.

And comfort? It's in every stitch and cushion. Whether you're lounging with a good book or entertaining friends, the Migliore offers a luxurious seating experience. It's not just a sofa; it's a haven in your home.

In a world where every square inch counts, the MurphySofa Migliore isn't just furniture—it's a lifestyle upgrade.

Compatto – Wall Bed Revolving Bookcase Table

Compatto revolving murphy bed with table from Expand Furniture on Vimeo.

Step into a world where a bookcase spins into a bed, and a table emerges like a scene from a modern-day fairy tale. This isn't just clever design; it's the Compatto – Wall Bed Revolving Bookcase Table from Expand Furniture, a triumph of multifunctionality in interior design.

The Compatto is an alchemist in the furniture world, seamlessly transitioning from a chic bookcase to a cozy bed to a functional table. This ingenious piece doesn't just save space; it redefines it. Your books and cherished keepsakes have a stylish home on their shelves, and when the night falls, a comfortable bed folds down, welcoming a restful sleep. In the morning, it transforms again, offering a table space for your coffee or laptop.

What truly sets the Compatto apart is its ease of transformation. With a simple turn or pull, your living area becomes a bedroom or a study without the clutter or cramp. It's not just furniture; it's a space revolution.

In the heart of our urban jungles, the Compatto isn't just a piece of furniture; it's a beacon of intelligent living, proving that there's enormous potential for beauty and functionality in small spaces.

Learn More

Expand Furniture’s innovative designs are more than just furniture; they're a lifestyle revolution for the space-savvy. The Junior Giant Table, MurphySofa Migliore, and Compatto Wall Bed perfectly blend functionality, style, and smart space management. Imagine your home's possibilities: spaces that adapt, furniture that transforms, and rooms that invite both comfort and versatility. Ready to redefine your living space? Visit Expand Furniture’s website to explore these wonders and more and take the first step towards a home that's as dynamic as your life.

Trending Stories