‘More than an athlete’: Kobe Bryant prayer vigil to be held at African American Civil War Memorial

NBA legend Kobe Bryant (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)

Kobe Bryant’s life and legacy will be honored with a prayer vigil on Friday, Jan. 31 at the African American Civil War Memorial at 5 p.m.

On Sunday, Jan. 26 the NBA superstar was killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, along with eight others. His 13-year-old daughter, Gianna “GiGi” Bryant, was among those killed in the crash.

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The vigil is free to attend but interested parties must RSVP and should bring a white candle. 

Famously known as the ‘Black Mamba,’ fans, celebrities and many professional athletes have taken to social media to mourn over Bryant’s sudden death. 

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Bryant’s legacy in the District lives on through his contributions to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Both Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa Bryant, donated over $1 million dollars to the museum through the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.

The museum honored Bryant with a message on Twitter: 

“We mourn the loss of five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant. Our thoughts are with the Bryant family and also the families of the other passengers.”