Summary

Abdurraqib reminisces about Columbus City League basketball, particularly the era when Bruce Howard became the coach at Brookhaven. Under Howard, they won their first city title in 1996 and the district title in 1998. Abdurraqib recalls that Howard had a capacity for remembering faces of the people he had met before, even if it was only fleeting and he did not remember their names. If he recognized you in public he would shake hands, ask how you were doing, and tell you to stay out of trouble. Abdurraqib summarizes the message this sent to the community as being Howard saying, “I will not let you move through this city and be forgotten” (48). Howard was hospitalized in 2003 causing widespread concern in the community that supported Brookhaven, even amongst people who did not know him personally. Abdurraqib recalls participating in a moment of prayer for Howard before a...