Dennis Schroder recently opened up about the challenges he faced growing up as a Black man in Germany during an interview with Marc J. Spears. As he represented the German national team in the Paris Olympics, Schroder reflected on his childhood experiences and how they shaped him into the person and athlete he is today.
“Growing up in Germany was tough, man. It’s wrong, but I just went with it. Why is your skin Black? Why are you dirty?”
“I went to a basketball school, and people started respecting and accepting me as a Black person because I did something for Germany and for my hometown.”
“It’s insane. We wrote history already. We’re in the semis. With this team, it’s great to compete. We are like brothers. We’re like family. I’m not just saying it. It’s the real deal. I love all those guys.”
“It don’t matter what anybody says, it don’t matter if it’s the teacher, it don’t matter if it’s your coach, you got to see the vision. You got to, of course, stay humble, listen to your family. But at the end of the day, you just got to focus on what you want to accomplish because you can accomplish whatever you want.”
These early encounters with racism left a significant impact on him. However, Schroder’s life took a turn when he began playing basketball at the age of 12. This shift in perception helped him persevere and pursue his dreams despite the adversity he faced.
Schroder’s basketball career has been nothing short of remarkable. He entered the NBA in 2014 as a first-round draft pick and played a pivotal role in leading Germany to its first-ever FIBA World Cup victory in 2023. Now, as Germany’s national team captain, he has helped guide his team to the semifinals of the Olympics for the first time in history. When asked what advice he would give to a young Black German child facing similar challenges, Schroder emphasized resilience and determination.
Schroder’s journey from a challenging childhood in Germany to becoming an NBA star and national team leader is a testament to his resilience and determination. As he continues to make history with Germany in the Olympics, his story serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.
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