he narrative
surrounding
Black fathers has
long been skewed, riddled with the damaging stereotype that we are absent, uninvolved, or disconnected. But that story has never reflected my reality. As a former athlete and a father of two Black teenage boys, I’ve seen firsthand the deep commitment, love, and guidance that Black fathers pour into their children. And Kendall Gill, the former NBA star, turned basketball analyst, and boxing enthusiast, is living proof of that truth.
We met up at Sam Colona Boxing Gym, where he trains to stay in peak shape—despite having already conquered both the basketball court and the boxing ring. Though most remember him for his 15-year career in the NBA, his first love was boxing, a sport in which he remains undefeated as a professional fighter. At one point, there was even talk of a potential showdown with influencer Jake Paul, but beyond his athletic pursuits, Kendall’s most important role is that of a dedicated father to two boys, a role he embraces with the same intensity and discipline he once brought to the game.
Kendall’s connection with me runs deeper than sports. His oldest son and my son both attend the same high school, and soon, Kendall will be watching his son take the court at Northwestern University to continue his basketball career. In our conversation, we discussed his upbringing in Chicago, the impact of his own father, and the challenges and triumphs of raising Black boys in today’s world. Through his
story, and many others, we celebrate Black fatherhood—not just as a concept, but as a legacy of strength, love, and resilience.
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