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.
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.
Twitter: @JeffGSpursZone