The Empire State Building Lights Up Purple And Gold In Tribute To Kobe Bryant

Jan 28, 2020 by apost team

The world is in mourning for the loss of the basketball legend Kobe Bryant who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, along with eight other people including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

New York City shared in the collective grief and they showed it by lighting up the majestic Empire State Building in tribute.

The LA Lakers superstar was a fixture on the team for 20 years before retiring in 2016, reports the AP. The team's distinct purple and gold colors were displayed by Bryant fans for many years and have become part of his legacy. One place that also used the colors in tribute is the Empire State Building.

apost.com

The icon of the New York City skyline displays colorful lights at the top of the building and on Monday night it was lit up in the distinct Laker purple and gold for millions of New Yorkers to see. The official building's Twitter account said:

"Our lights will shine in purple and gold this evening as we pay tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, an inspiration to millions across the globe who was taken too soon. Our hearts go out to all of the families, friends, and fans affected by this tragedy. #824Forever"

The ending hashtag of #824Forever is a reference to the two numbers Bryant played with on the team.

Not far from the Empire State Building, fans made their own impromptu monument to Kobe. His first name was emblazoned in black and white tape at the 42nd Street-Bryant Park station for the sign to read "Kobe Bryant Park."

Whether it's through tourist landmarks or a simple sign in a subway station, New Yorkers clearly miss Kobe Bryant and the way he touched their lives.

Rest in peace to a legend 'taken too soon.' What do you think about these different forms of tribute to the late Kobe Bryant? Do you have your own way of remembering him?