Spurs' Lonnie Walker IV collaborates with San Antonio artists to support victims of abuse

by Jeff Garcia, Spurs Zone

Tue, June 23rd 2020, 8:00 PM UTC

San Antonio Spurs guard Lonnie Walker IV shoots against the Phoenix Suns during the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

SAN ANTONIO — Rising professional basketball star Lonnie Walker IV, a second-year player with the San Antonio Spurs, shocked fans earlier this month when he decided to cut his signature, iconic hairstyle. Walker then made the brave decision to reveal the symbolism and personal triumph behind shedding the hairdo, which had served as a coping mechanism for the abuse that he experienced as a youth.

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The real truth as to why i started doing this early 5th grade, it was a cloaking device for me. During the summer of my 5th grade year I was around more family. Some that names will be left alone I was around more. I was sexually harassed, raped, abused, I even got accustomed to it because being at that age you don’t know what is what. I was a gullible curious kid that didn’t know what the real world was. I had a mindset that my hair was something that I can control. My hair was what I can make and create and be mine. And it gave my confidence. As of recently I wasn’t at my best. Previous History popping up in my head and it sucked mentally “demons”..... because of this virus, I began to truly look at myself in the mirror and see who I truly was even behind closed doors. Long story short I have found peace and internal happiness through this journey god willingly. I forgave everyone even the people that don’t deserve it why? Because it’s dead weight. Time doesn’t wait on anyone so why should I waste my time on it ? Me cutting my hair was more than a cut. My hair was a mask of me hiding the insecurity’s that I felt the world wasn’t ready for. But now better then ever. Out with old. In with the new. I have shed my skin mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Life will always be hard. Gotta play with the cards your dealt with and try and make a winning hand. And if you lose. It’s never a lost. It’s a lesson 🙏🏾. I’m gonna be off this for awhile still growing through this. Just know I love each and everyone one of y’all. Peace love and happiness 💕🙏🏾

A post shared by Lonnie Walker IV (@buddah) on Jun 11, 2020 at 5:52pm PDT

Walker is now turning his story into positive action for the community, using his experience to raise awareness of the issue and garner valuable funding for a local nonprofit whose mission is to end abuse, serve those impacted by it and educate the community.

Walker is collaborating with three San Antonio-based artists—RapidArts, Brian Ellingboe and Armando Zimmerle—and has commissioned original artwork that illustrates his personal story and signature hairdo. The three art pieces will be sold via an online auction with proceeds to benefit Family Violence Prevention Services.

"I shared my story with the hope that others who have, or are currently facing abuse know they’re not alone. It is so easy to want to hide this kind of hurt or harm from others, even to hide it from yourself at moments. I have taken some time during this COVID-19 hiatus to face this part of my past and I have found some peace. Now it’s my turn to help others find that same freedom,” said Walker. “Abuse does not define who you are. With time, patience and a little self-love, you will overcome the hurt. You will rise above.”

The original works of art will be unveiled on June 23, and available for sale via an online virtual auction that will be open to the public through 11:45 p.m. on June 30. To learn more and participate in the auction, visit rebrand.ly/Lonnie-Walker-Art-Auction.

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Twitter: @JeffGSpursZone

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