Kobe Bryant jersey displayed at Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture

The museum’s interim director Spencer Crew said of the display: ‘Kobe’s contributions on and off the court are remarkable. As a founding donor, he understood the significance of this museum to the nation and the world. 

‘After postponing the March installation due to COVID-19, we believe now is the perfect moment in history to honor his memory by placing his jersey on view.’

This comes nine months after his death January 26 in a helicopter crash with his daughter Gianna and seven others.

‘Kobe Bryant’s “Black Mamba” mentality propelled him to the upper echelon of sports and inspired millions of people around the world,’ officials from the organization said in a tweet. ‘Bryant played twenty seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers – winning five NBA championships, two NBA Finals MVP awards, and one league MVP award.’

The organization continued: ‘At NMAAHC, Kobe holds a very special place in our hearts. In the very critical stages of building our museum, Kobe and Vanessa Bryant became founding donors, giving us the boost that we needed to keep moving forward.’

NMAAHC said the uniform, which Bryant wore in the championship series against the Boston Celtics, ‘serves as a testament to the resiliency of African Americans & expands the on the impact of black popular culture in sports.’