People who don’t know Damian Lillard will see him wear the number 0 on his jersey and will not think much of it. But, there’s a special story behind it. The number 0 is actually a representation of the letter O, and it represents Damian’s life journey. O stands for his hometown Oakland, California. It also represents Ogden, Utah, where he played his college basketball for Weber State University and finally, it represents his former team the Portland Trail Blazers who are based in Portland, Oregon.

“Care and compassion” – Damian Lillard’s family and roots

This journey from Oakland to the NBA was shaped by the love and support of his family amid challenging circumstances. Lillard was born to parents Gina Johnson and Houston Lillard in Oakland, California. He was one of three children Gina and Houston had. He describes his life growing up in eastern Oakland filled with drugs and crime. How did Damian survive in such a hostile environment? According to him, it was the “Balance of love, care and compassion” from his family that kept him out of trouble during his childhood.

Damian Lillard is of African-American descent. He represents his roots always and has been one to give back to his community. From repping the number 0 to helping people in need, Dame has always been grounded. Let’s take a look at Damian’s life growing up in such a violent neighborhood and how he navigated out of it.

“There’s too much” – Damian Lillard talks about negative influences growing up

Growing up in Oakland wasn’t easy, especially in the eastern part of the city where Damian was born and raised. The star speaks about life growing up and avoiding bad influences in an interview with Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com, “Ah, there’s too much (negative influences in Oakland),” Damian said. “I can go on and on, man,” he noted how easily anyone could end up with a life of drugs and violence but he saw basketball as a way to keep him away from all of that.

He added, “I knew everything that was going on and I knew I didn’t want to be a part of it.” One of the first things he did after being drafted was help his mom quit her job, marking a proud moment for him as he enabled her to step back and enjoy a better life.

In an interview with Court-side Moms on YouTube Gina says, “Living in Oakland was not so easy. So, us putting them in basketball was basically saving their lives because it kept them off the streets and it kept them from being around the wrong crowd“. She talks about the troubles from which basketball saved her three kids including Damian. Also, how sports was the only way for her kids to get a college degree because they couldn’t afford it otherwise.

Overall, growing up in such a tough neighborhood has made Damian who he is. He never forgets his roots and does a lot of philanthropic work for the community by helping through his Lillard Foundation, he has supported various causes, including education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. Lillard understands the importance of giving back and uses his platform to uplift those in need. His impact goes beyond the basketball court and he’s a role model to many.

The Athletic’s Josh Robbins wrote about Bucks star: “Damian Lillard’s ongoing and steadfast dedication to the youth of Portland stands out. His efforts to inspire and uplift the next generation are both commendable and a testament to his character.”