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Culture, Currents, Sports

An Impactful Legacy: The Humanitarian Accomplishments of Dikembe Mutombo

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By Jannah Bolds
EIC, The Bold Opinion



Remembering Mt. Mutombo

Today, we’re pausing to remember the NBA legend and humanitarian, Dikembe Mutombo, who succumbed to his battle with brain cancer.

Dikembe Mutombo, the towering basketball legend known for his shot-blocking, finger-wagging and gentle personality, has made a long lasting mark on and off the court. While his professional career in the NBA earned him eight All-Star appearances and Defensive Player of the Year awards, it is his humanitarian work that stands out as a defining legacy.

A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mutombo has dedicated much of his post-basketball career to improving healthcare, education, and the overall well-being of those in the United States, his home country and across Africa.

His Roots of Philanthropy

Born in 1966 in Kinshasa, DRC (then Zaire), Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo grew up in a modest family of ten. Education was a priority for the Mutombo family, and this deeply instilled value would later influence his charitable initiatives. Mutombo attended Georgetown University on a basketball scholarship, but his original intent was to study medicine and become a doctor. Though his basketball talents led him down a different path, his passion for helping others through healthcare remained a consistent theme in his life.

The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

In 1997, while still playing in the NBA, Mutombo founded the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation with the goal of improving the quality of life for the people of the DRC. The foundation has focused primarily on health and education, two areas where Mutombo recognized a significant need in his homeland.

The cornerstone of his work through the foundation came in the form of the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital. Named after his late mother, the hospital opened its doors in 2007 in Kinshasa, the capital city of the DRC. The $29 million, 300-bed facility became one of the largest and most modern hospitals in the region, providing critical healthcare services to a population long underserved by medical infrastructure.

Before the hospital’s construction, Kinshasa, a city of over 10 million people, had very few functioning healthcare facilities. The Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital has since become a beacon of hope, providing maternal care, emergency services, surgeries, and treatments for diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. By 2022, the hospital had treated over half a million patients, many of whom would not have had access to such care otherwise.

Dikembe Mutombo NBA basketball Hall of Fame Atlanta Hawks

Advocacy for Polio and Other Health Causes

In addition to building hospitals, Mutombo has also been an outspoken advocate for disease prevention. He has worked with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to raise awareness about the importance of vaccinations, particularly for diseases like polio. Mutombo’s voice has been crucial in global campaigns aimed at eradicating polio, a disease that remains a threat in parts of Africa.

Mutombo has also advocated for better maternal and child health programs, emphasizing the importance of access to proper healthcare for mothers and infants. His efforts have helped to bring international attention to the healthcare crises affecting African nations, influencing policymakers and global health organizations to invest in long-term solutions.

Education and Youth Empowerment

Mutombo’s commitment to education has been another pillar of his humanitarian work. Believing that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, he has funded scholarships for students in both the U.S. and the DRC. He has supported various educational initiatives aimed at providing young people with the tools they need to succeed.

In his home country, Mutombo has funded the construction of schools and educational programs, particularly in rural areas where access to education is limited. His foundation also provides financial support to Congolese students seeking higher education, ensuring that they have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to contribute to their communities.

Mutombo’s commitment to empowering the next generation extends to his work in the U.S. as well. He’s been a consistent advocate for young athletes, stressing the importance of balancing sports with education. Through his foundation and personal involvement, he helped guide many young people to pursue college degrees while developing their athletic talents.

Global Humanitarian and Advocacy Work

In recognition of his tireless work, Mutombo has been appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, a role in which he continues to advocate for education and healthcare initiatives around the world. His efforts have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the NBA’s J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, which recognizes outstanding service to the community, and the Sport for Good Award from Laureus.

Mutombo has also been actively involved in disaster relief efforts, raising funds and awareness in the wake of humanitarian crises. Following the devastating earthquake in Haiti in 2010, Mutombo was one of the many public figures who stepped up to provide aid and relief, further cementing his reputation as a global humanitarian.

Legacy of Compassion

What makes Mutombo’s humanitarian work particularly noteworthy is his hands-on approach. Whether it’s through hospital visits, fundraising events, or public speaking engagements, he remains personally involved in the causes he supports. His towering presence—physically and metaphorically—continues to inspire countless individuals and organizations to invest in Africa’s future.

While Mutombo may be best known in the U.S. as an NBA icon, in Africa and among global health advocates, his name is synonymous with compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. The impact of his work has transcended sports, leaving a legacy of hope and change that will continue to benefit generations to come.

In a world where many athletes rest their arms on their trophies after retiring, Mutombo stands out as a role model through his extraordinary humanitarian efforts. His journey from Kinshasa to NBA stardom and back to Africa as a philanthropist is a testament to the power of giving back—and his legacy will live on long after the game buzzer.

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Culture, Currents

Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop The ATL Way

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By Jannah Bolds
EIC, The Bold Opinion



Atlanta is all over the blueprints of Hip Hop, and this southern capital remains a vital organ to its life.

In the heart of the American South, where traditions blend seamlessly with innovation, Atlanta stands as a cultural powerhouse and a vibrant hub for creativity.

This year, the city is set to celebrate a momentous milestone – fifty years of Hip-Hop shaping its sonic landscape. From humble beginnings to global recognition, the journey of Hip-Hop in Atlanta is a testament to the genre’s evolution and its profound impact on music, art, and society.

Atlanta’s Hip-Hop story began in the early 1970s when block parties and community gatherings sparked the birth of a new musical movement. The streets of neighborhoods like Bankhead and Old Fourth Ward witnessed the emergence of pioneers who would go on to define the genre. These early artists laid the foundation for what would become a revolutionary cultural phenomenon, blending elements of rhythm, poetry, and social commentary into a genre that resonated with people from all walks of life.

The 1980s saw Atlanta’s Hip-Hop scene gain momentum, with trailblazers like DJ Rodney “Rocky” Terry and MC Shy D paving the way for a generation of aspiring artists. However, it was the 1990s that truly marked the city’s arrival on the national stage. Acts like OutKast, Goodie Mob, and TLC not only put Atlanta on the Hip-Hop map but also brought Southern flair and unique perspectives to the genre. The era was characterized by catchy hooks, innovative production, and unapologetic lyricism that resonated with fans far beyond Georgia’s borders.

As the new millennium dawned, Atlanta’s influence on Hip-Hop continued to grow. The city became a breeding ground for diverse sounds, from crunk and trap to alternative Hip-Hop. Superstars like Ludacris, T.I., and Gucci Mane carried the torch, expanding the genre’s horizons and solidifying Atlanta’s reputation as a hotbed of musical innovation.

The celebration of fifty years of Hip-Hop in Atlanta is not just about recognizing the past; it’s about acknowledging the present and shaping the future. Today, the city’s Hip-Hop scene is as vibrant as ever, with artists like Future, Lil Baby, Lotto, and 21 Savage dominating charts and pushing artistic boundaries. Atlanta’s unique blend of cultural influences, entrepreneurial spirit, and musical diversity continues to inspire a new generation of artists who are reshaping the sound of contemporary Hip-Hop.

The anniversary celebrations serve as a reminder of the genre’s power to transcend boundaries and connect communities. Beyond the music itself, Hip-Hop has played a pivotal role in addressing social issues, fostering a sense of belonging, and providing a platform for underrepresented voices. Atlanta’s Hip-Hop community has been at the forefront of advocating for change and using their art to spark important conversations about race, inequality, and justice.

As Atlanta commemorates fifty years of Hip-Hop, the city’s rich legacy is palpable. The journey from those early block parties to global stardom is a testament to the genre’s enduring appeal and the profound impact it has had on shaping not only the music industry but also the cultural fabric of the city itself.

In this milestone year, Atlanta pays homage to its musical roots while embracing the future with open arms. The celebrations are a reminder that Hip-Hop is not just a genre but a cultural force that continues to evolve, challenge norms, and unite communities. As the beats continue to reverberate through the streets of Atlanta, the city’s Hip-Hop legacy remains an ever-inspiring testament to the boundless possibilities of artistic expression.

Culture, Currents

Atlanta Open serves matches fit for GA summer heat

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By Jannah Bolds
EIC, The Bold Opinion



Atlanta serves a week of star-studded tennis at the Atlanta Open 2023.

The 2023 Atlanta Open that captivated tennis enthusiasts with its high-stakes matches, dramatic upsets, and inspiring performances. Held at the Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia, the tournament ran from July 22 to July 30, drawing top talent from the ATP tour and providing fans with a week of blazing hot tennis action.

The tournament featured a stellar lineup of players, including seasoned veterans and rising stars. Notable participants included defending champion Alex de Minaur, American favorite John Isner, and the dynamic Australian Nick Kyrgios. The draw also saw the participation of promising young talents like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, making the competition fierce and unpredictable.

One of the standout matches of the tournament was the quarterfinal clash between John Isner and Nick Kyrgios. Known for his powerful serve, Isner faced a tough challenge against the flamboyant and unpredictable Kyrgios. The match was a nail-biter, with Kyrgios ultimately emerging victorious in a thrilling three-set battle, showcasing his incredible shot-making abilities and on-court charisma.

Another highlight was the semifinal encounter between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Both players, known for their aggressive baseline play and athleticism, delivered a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Sinner triumphed in a hard-fought contest, demonstrating his growing maturity and skill under pressure.

As the tournament progressed, the competition intensified, leading to a highly anticipated final. Alex de Minaur, the defending champion, showcased his tenacity and speed throughout the tournament, securing his spot in the final with a series of impressive victories. His opponent, Jannik Sinner, had also been in formidable form, displaying a blend of power and finesse that made him a formidable contender.

The Championship Match

The final match was a fitting climax to an unforgettable tournament. Alex de Minaur and Jannik Sinner faced off in a high-octane battle that epitomized the spirit of the Atlanta Open. De Minaur’s relentless defense and counter-punching were pitted against Sinner’s aggressive baseline play and powerful groundstrokes.

In a thrilling contest that went the distance, it was Alex de Minaur who emerged victorious, clinching the title with a 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 win. The victory marked de Minaur’s second consecutive Atlanta Open title and reaffirmed his status as one of the sport’s rising stars. Sinner, though disappointed, could take pride in his performance, which underscored his potential to become a future Grand Slam champion.

The 2024 Atlanta Open is setting up for July 20, 2024 and will span eight days concluding with finals matches on the 28th. With its blend of top-tier competition and vibrant atmosphere, the Atlanta Open continues to be a highlight of the summer tennis season.