Black History Today: Damien Wilkins, hoops legend turned mentor and advocate
/Black History Today, created by Marcus Harden in celebration of Black History Month, pays tribute to the living legacy of Black history in our community and beyond and recognizes the people among us who are boldly shaping the future.
Courtesty of Damien Wilkins
“I know where I’m going and I know the truth, and I don’t have to be what you want me to be. I’m free to be what I want.”
By Marcus Harden
Famous rock and roll band Motörhead once crooned, “Evolution is a mystery, full of change that no one sees, clock makes a fool of history.”
Evolution—change—is inevitable. Father Time, as they say, remains undefeated. Yet, it is not simply change that defines us; it is what we do with our evolution that truly matters.
Did we evolve ourselves?
Did we elevate others?
And, in the end, did our evolution create lasting change?
Damien (middle name A, not really, but IYKYK) Wilkins is the embodiment of evolution with a purpose. His story is not simply one of legacy, but of transformation—the tale of a man who took the weight of expectation and turned it into wings.
Born into a family steeped in greatness, with a powerful mother who nurtured him in love and a father and uncle whose names were etched into the annals of basketball history, Damien understood early that legacy is not about living in someone’s shadow, but expanding it. For him, expectation was not a burden—it was a catalyst.
Basketball became a bridge between father and son, a connection forged through dedication and perseverance. By 1999, Damien was named National High School Player of the Year, earning a scholarship to North Carolina State before transferring to the University of Georgia. And though the path to professional basketball was not straightforward, his resilience never wavered. Undrafted but undeterred, he earned a spot on the Seattle SuperSonics, proving—through sheer will and work ethic—that he belonged among the best. For 13 years, he thrived in the NBA, a testament to his relentless drive.
For many, this would have been the pinnacle. The culmination. The defining chapter.
But for Damien Wilkins, it was only the beginning.
His true Hall of Fame career began after the final buzzer.
His evolution as a Black man has been nothing short of inspiring—embracing spirituality, wellness, and mental health advocacy, particularly for Black men who are so often told to suffer in silence. He has used his voice, his platform, and his experiences to uplift and empower, ensuring that the next generation understands that strength is not in suppression but in healing.
His evolution as a mentor has been equally profound. Damien has dedicated himself to guiding young athletes—not just in their craft but in their character. He teaches them to honor their talents, refine their purpose, and maximize their impact—on and off the court. For “his guys,” he is more than a mentor; he is a consistent presence, a steady hand, and a trusted guide.
But perhaps the most beautiful of Damien’s evolutions has been his evolution as a father. To hear him speak about his children—to see the way his face illuminates at the mere mention of them—is to witness the purest form of love. His commitment to fatherhood, his dedication to reshaping the narrative of Black fathers, is nothing short of revolutionary. If there were an MVP for fathers, Damien Wilkins would win in a landslide.
I often say this, and I mean it with every fiber of my being: the world needs more people like Damien Wilkins.
He is evolution.
He is change.
He is selfless leadership.
He is one of the best men I have ever had the privilege to know.
And without question—he is Black History Today.
Original artwork created by Devin Chicras for the South Seattle Emerald.
