Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali among African-American icons Trump announced to be included in National Garden of American Heroes

President Donald Trump proposed the concept of the “National Garden of American Heroes” during his first presidential term in 2020. It would be a sculpture garden honoring “great figures of America’s history”. Although the idea never came to fruition, now that he’s back in office, Trump plans to bring it back again.

Trump wants to create 250 statues depicting Founding Fathers, political activists, celebrities, pop culture icons, and athletes.

Trump announces Kobe Bryant statue in National Garden of Heroes

On Thursday, in honor of Black History Month, Trump added a few names of Black influential figures to be sculpted for the garden, including the late NBA legend, Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

“We’re gonna produce some of the most beautiful works of art in the form of a statue for men like Fredrick Douglas, Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson...and the late Kobe Bryant - people love Kobe Bryant.”

Bryant, who tragically passed away in 2020, was a five-time NBA champion and one of the best basketball players in the game, but his legacy goes beyond the court. He’s had a lasting impact on philanthropy and youth mentorship.

Along with Bryant, Trump named other influential Black Americans to be honored in the garden, including Muhammed Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriett Tubman, and Billie Holiday.

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