Table of Contents
Family Dynamics and Kobe’s Relationship with Sharia
Sharia Washington has recently gained attention for her heartfelt tribute to her late brother, Kobe Bryant, and niece, Gianna Bryant, following their tragic deaths. Despite Kobe’s estrangement from their parents since 2013, he had a close bond with Sharia and their sister, Shaya Tabb.1
This section sheds light on the family dynamics, emphasizing Kobe’s affection for Sharia and Shaya.
2. Memorial Tattoo: A Symbolic Tribute
In a touching gesture, Sharia commemorated Kobe and Gianna’s memory by getting a meaningful tattoo.
The tattoo features a large black mamba snake shaped like an infinity symbol, with the snake wrapped around the numbers #2 and #24, representing Gigi and Kobe’s jersey numbers. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, expressed her admiration for the tattoo on Instagram, cementing the significance of this unique tribute.
3. Professional Life: SUN50 and Fitness Training
Delving into Sharia’s professional life, this section focuses on her role as the director of corporate sales and partnerships at SUN50, a company specializing in UV-protective clothing.
Additionally, it highlights her extensive background as a National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer, showcasing her commitment to educating others about sun protection and promoting physical well-being.
4. Commitment to Women in Sports: Serve Receive Foundation
Sharia’s dedication to empowering young women in sports is explored in this section, discussing her role as a co-founder of the Serve Receive Foundation in Las Vegas, Nevada. The foundation aims to empower young people on and off the court, reflecting Sharia’s passion for making a positive impact in the lives of young athletes.
5. Personal and Emotional Response to Tragedy
In the aftermath of Kobe and Gigi’s tragic deaths, Sharia and her sister Shaya Tabb released a statement expressing their devastation.
This section explores their close relationship with Kobe, detailing their emotional response to the helicopter crash on January 26. It also highlights Sharia’s consistent social media posts honoring her late brother and niece, providing insights into her grieving process.
Jett Howard’s NBA Draft Journey
Subhead: Carrying on the Family Legacy
Jett Howard, a 6-foot-8 guard, recently made a significant stride in his basketball career by being selected as the 11th overall pick by the Orlando Magic during the NBA draft on June 22, 2023.
This achievement is noteworthy not only for Jett himself but also for his family, particularly following in the footsteps of his father, Juwan Howard, who was a fifth overall pick in the 1994 draft from Michigan.
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A Proud Moment at Barclays Center
Father-Son Embrace
The emotional and celebratory moment took place at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center when Jett Howard’s name was announced. The bond between father and son was evident as they shared a heartfelt hug, marking a unique intersection of family and professional success.2
Juwan Howard’s Basketball Legacy
Subhead: From the “Fab Five” to NBA Champion
Juwan Howard, a former member of the renowned “Fab Five” and a two-time NBA champion, has left an indelible mark on the basketball world. Playing a total of 1,208 NBA games over 19 years for eight different teams, Howard’s illustrious career includes a season with the Orlando Magic in 2003-04. He retired after the 2012-13 season.
Lessons from a Veteran Father
 Mentorship and Guidance
Jett Howard attributes his success to the invaluable guidance of his father and older brother Jace. Growing up surrounded by the game, he learned the intricacies of basketball, including shooting techniques and on-court strategies. Jett expresses gratitude for the consistent advice and hard work instilled by his father, emphasizing the emotional connection between them.
Transitioning to the NBA
 Words of Wisdom from Juwan Howard
As Jett embarks on his NBA journey, Juwan Howard, also the current coach at Michigan, offers essential advice to his son. Emphasizing the importance of being a receptive learner, Juwan encourages Jett to absorb knowledge and skills from his coaches.
The Michigan coach foresees a promising future for his son, labeling him as a “sponge” who loves the game and is destined to become a special player.
Michigan’s Double Triumph
Multiple Top Picks in the Draft
Michigan’s success extends beyond Jett Howard, as another player from the team, Kobe Bufkin, secured the 15th overall pick in the same draft. This achievement marks the first time since 1994 that Michigan has produced multiple top 15 picks, harking back to the era when Jalen Rose joined Juwan Howard as the 13th overall pick.
Bryant Family’s Tropical Getaway in Jamaica
Vanessa Bryant and Daughters Soak Up the Sun
- Vanessa Bryant, the widow of late basketball icon Kobe Bryant, embarked on a tropical vacation to Jamaica with her three daughters. The California native, at the age of 39, took to social media to share glimpses of their island getaway, which included moments from poolside relaxation to boat rides.
- The Bryant family seemed to be enjoying their time, with Vanessa even going golfing with her daughters, Bianka, Natalia, and Capri.
- The proud mom documented the vacation with various photos, including selfies with her girls at dinner and in their hotel, adorned with Jamaican flag emojis.
Extended Family Reunion
In several group shots, members of Kobe Bryant’s family were also present during the vacation. Kobe’s sister Sharia Washington and her husband Jerrod Washington, accompanied by their three children, Tayah, Sydney, and Jett, joined the Bryant family in Jamaica.3
Sharia Washington expressed her gratitude and amazement at Vanessa’s ability to organize such a surprise trip, praising her with hashtags like #bigheart and #queenmamba.
A Gesture of Gratitude
Vanessa’s bond with Kobe’s family goes beyond the vacation, as evidenced by her recent gesture of surprising Kobe’s sister Sharia with a new car earlier this month. Sharia, a former personal trainer, shared her astonishment on Instagram, thanking Vanessa for the unexpected gift.
Vanessa has previously acknowledged the support she receives from Kobe’s sisters, calling them her “hypeman” and emphasizing the importance of laughter as a form of healing.
Reflections on Loss and Love
Vanessa’s Ongoing Tribute to Kobe and Gianna
- As Vanessa Bryant continues to navigate life after the tragic loss of her husband Kobe and daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash in January 2020, she frequently pays tribute to their memories on social media.
- In December 2020, approaching the first anniversary of their passing, Vanessa shared a photo with Kobe’s siblings, emphasizing the role of laughter as a source of strength.
- She expressed her disbelief and sorrow over the tragedy, stating, “I will never understand why/how this tragedy could’ve happened to such beautiful, kind and amazing human beings.”
 The Power of Laughter
In December 2020, Vanessa highlighted the significance of laughter as a coping mechanism in dealing with the loss. She shared a photo with Kobe’s siblings, stating that their presence brought much-needed joy during a difficult time. Vanessa expressed gratitude for their support, acknowledging the challenges they faced as a family.
A Mother’s Love
In the following month, Vanessa paid tribute to Kobe and Gianna again, expressing love and pride for her late husband and daughter. Through an Instagram post, she conveyed the continued impact of their presence in her life, stating, “Kobe, we did it right. Gigi, you still make mommy proud. I love you!”
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 Vacation Moments Captured
Vanessa’s Instagram Chronicles of the Jamaican Getaway
Vanessa shared a series of captivating photos on her Instagram account, providing a glimpse into the Bryant family’s Jamaican vacation. From intimate selfies to family pool sessions, the snapshots capture moments of joy and togetherness during their tropical retreat.4
Picture-Perfect Selfies
Vanessa posted charming selfies with her daughters during dinner and in their hotel, adorned with Jamaican flag emojis. The images depict the warmth and love shared among the family members during their vacation.
Summer Fun by the Pool
The Bryant sisters, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri, enjoyed a refreshing splash in the pool, adding to the collection of vacation memories. Vanessa documented the family’s summer fun, showcasing the radiant smiles of her youngest daughters.
Too Cute Moments
Vanessa’s Instagram collection also features adorable moments with her youngest daughters, Capri and Bianka. The images capture the cuteness of the siblings as they joined their mom in a delightful selfie, contributing to the overall charm of the Bryant family’s Jamaican getaway.
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Jett Washington’s Family Background
Meet Jerrod And Sharia Washington
Jett Washington’s athletic genes are inherited from his parents, Jerrod and Sharia Washington. The family is currently based in Las Vegas.
Sharia Washington: Former Volleyball Athlete and Coach
Sharia Washington, Jett’s mother and elder sister of Kobe Bryant, is a Temple University graduate and former Division One NCAA athlete. With 20 years of coaching experience, she is also a certified personal trainer and has worked in various roles, including as a Sales and Partnerships director in Sports Apparel at SUN50.
Jerrod Washington: The Businessman
Jett’s father, Jerrod Washington, played collegiate football at the University of Virginia before joining Kobe Family Entertainment in 1997. A communication and media studies graduate, Jerrod later became the Chief Partnership Officer at Freebird Payment Solutions and co-founded Brandyay, a sew-on-demand apparel company.
2. Kobe Bryant’s Sisters: Sharia, Shaya, and the Mamba Sports Foundation
Sharia Washington’s Involvement After Kobe’s Death
After Kobe Bryant’s tragic death, Sharia Washington, along with her sister Shaya, released a joint statement expressing devastation. They encouraged fans to donate to the Mamba Sports Foundation and shared previously unseen family photos of Kobe.
3. Jett Washington’s Sisters: Tayah and Sydney
Sydney Washington: Following in Mother’s Footsteps
Jett’s older sister, Sydney Washington, a psychology graduate, is a fitness trainer emphasizing mental well-being. She shares client testimonials and highlights the role of her faith in elevating her life.
Tayah Washington: Career and Current Role
Jett’s other sister, Tayah Washington, a graduate of the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, has worked as a summer league intern at the NBA and is currently a Gameday Corporate Partnerships Activation Representative for the Las Vegas Raiders. She maintains a private Instagram handle.
4. Jett Washington’s Family Life
MAMBACITA Apparel and Kobe’s Influence
Jett’s family, pictured wearing MAMBACITA Apparel, reflects the influence of Kobe Bryant in their lives. Jerrod Washington, Jett’s father, shares one of Kobe’s quotes on his Instagram, emphasizing dedication in making dreams come true
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