Social Media And Basketball

The emergence of Social Media and the internet have transcended the level at which people go about their activities and conversely their approach on life. Social Media and the internet have allowed an entire generation of people, Millennials, to access any and everything they are mildly interested in. This access comes with an inherent understanding that this information is not a point of privilege and must be used in an innovative manner or at the pinnacle of convention to attain recognition. Because, in an age of international exposure everyone is a brand and all brands truly desire is recognition. In this climate of recognition, innovation and access there comes ridicule of those who don’t meet these standards that require such absorbent

With popularity comes revenue and access. Revenue for those who invest in the sport, whether you are fortunate enough to play the game on a professional level or maximize earning potential by owning teams in mainstream leagues. The simple nature of the sport and its widespread broadcast to the masses, allows everyone from the poorest child in Anacostia to the child of a diplomat in Georgetown to have the same access to the sport. I was first introduced to basketball at the age of 3 when my dad took me to a Philadelphia 76er’s game to watch Allen Iverson play ball. At such a young age I was taken by the game, committed to being the very best the game had ever seen. For the next 13 years I ate, slept, and shat basketball. Through all my international travel, there was never a lapse in my access to the sport. I would peak at the age of 16, being ranked the 3rd best player in my metropolitan area and the leader of the second best team in said area. Unfortunately, during my junior year I endured a career ending knee injury that made me assess how much I truly loved the game. I quickly came to realize that I did not love it enough to push my body through the recovery process required to reach my pinnacle fitness level needed to return to full activity. It was a hobby, but it consumed my life for so long that I could not fathom a life

During my recovery I spent a lot of time reading books lying around the house, most of which were political science textbooks. This, coupled with a growing sense of social consciousness amongst my inner circle of friends pushed my life to be consumed by social issues and their political application. Namely, matters regarding feminism and the Black Lives Matter movement. I spent my “spare time” at art shows conversing with minds of my generation, at rallies in protest of the injustices of these subject matters or researching political science programs. For this cause, I was prepared to commit my time, career and money. An investment of this magnitude was greeted with aspirations of the White House and the main goal of closing the income disparity. Also, to bring about radical change to the nation’s education system and policies. However, this pursuit was over taken by the call of art and the entertainment industry and the manifestation my first true passion, Artist Representation/ Brand