U.S. Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Huntington Beach, announced Tuesday that she has introduced a congressional resolution to designate Aug. 24, as "Kobe Bryant Day" in honor of the late Lakers star.
“Kobe Bryant used his platform to inspire millions and help kids around the world achieve success and strive for greatness. On August 24th we should remember Kobe, celebrate his life, and encourage the next generation to dream big just like Kobe did,” said Steel in a statement.
Bryant was one of Steel’s constituents before his death in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020. According to Steel, the date Aug. 24 was chosen because Bryant wore the numbers 8 and 24 when he played for the Lakers.
The full resolution is available to read here.
A winner of five NBA championships, an 18-time All-Star, the 2008 NBA MVP and a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, the resolution called Kobe a “basketball legend” while citing his many accomplishments.
Steel’s resolution also included reference to Bryant’s community service, including his founding of the Black Mamba Sports Academy "to connect aspiring athletes with experts to help them achieve their goals."
Bryant's widow, Vanessa Bryant, and the joint plaintiffs settled a suit in June against the company that operated the helicopter in the 2020 crash that killed Kobe and Gianna Bryant and seven others.