Allen Iverson was an amazing basketball player who put on for all the boys in the hood with hoop dreams. On the court, he was defying odds; a 6ft point guard averaging 30 points a game while playing against giants. While he was changing the way of the game on the court, Iverson was challenging much bigger systems off the court.

“The better you look, the better you play”

– Allen Iverson

He was an elite force on the court but away from it, Iverson did what Black people have always done; set trends. While integrating Hip-Hop culture into the politics of the NBA, Iverson was showing us all his greatest skill, being unapologetically authentic. He stayed true to himself and represented Black culture and people in a way that had not been seen in sports before. From the tattoos, big jerseys, baggy jeans, to the chains and his mother, Ann Iverson, cornrowing his hair during a game, A.I. challenged respectability politics and began to shift mainstream athletic culture with his truth, so much so that NBA commissioner David Stern created a dress code to challenge his influence.

Iverson brought a truth and reality to the game that allowed for this cultural push. He came from the projects of Virginia and on his road to success, had racialized run in’s with law enforcement along with other societal issues that are imposed upon low socioeconomic communities. This served as motivation for many who seen themselves and their community in Iverson. With his underdog principles and flyness, Iverson was inspiring. Giving his all to the game, he wore his heart on his sleeve and let his Blackness reign free, changing the league forever. Salute to The Answer.

“You could never question his heart. Ever. He gave it his all.”

– Lebron James