It’s been over 2 years since the world lost Trayvon Martin at the hand of racial violence, but his memory and story continue to live on. Alongside Nipsey Hussle, our very own Karen Civil, and Tracy Martin and Sybrina Fulton (Trayvon’s parents), NBA star Kobe Bryant met with Trayvon Martin’s family at a rally in Crenshaw this weekend — and told the crowd he has a “responsibility” as a celebrity to help Trayvon’s parents tell their story.

The event took place on the 1-year anniversary of the day George Zimmerman was acquitted of murdering the 17-year-old in Florida.

During his speech, Kobe told the crowd of roughly 200 people … “Players such as myself and others that have kind of a platform, our responsibility is more than just putting a ball in the basket … but helping [Trayvon’s parents] have a platform.”

Bryant said things like injuries, retirement and playing time seem important “in a vacuum” … but said “when you step out of that, you look at [Trayvon’s parents] … what they had to go through as a family and what theyve come out of … that’s true adversity.”

Go behind-the-scenes with Civil TV to see the rest of Kobe Bryant’s heartfelt speech. Rest In Peace Trayvon Martin.