Only 24 hours ago, Dirk Nowitzki was granted entry into the hall. A 21-year-old career of the most enthralling, heroic highlights earned him his rightful spot. In his speech, he thanked his wife Jessica Olsson for being his rock. The couple that tied the knot in 2012 conjured seismic rumbles with their very first appearance. Race was a prevalent core of all conversations.

Hailing from a small town in Germany, Nowitzki was unaware of the existent racial problems. However, he had to face the realities when he became an NBA athlete. It also brewed a fear related to his kids.

Dirk Nowitzki was afraid for his children’s life in America

After marrying Olsson and also having a two-decade career in the USA, Nowitzki was well aware of the looming race problems. During a 2017 interview, the German basketball legend candidly spoke about his interracial marriage and having Black children. In one of his conversations, the Dallas Mavericks icon made his kids the subject. The cases of racism in 2016 left him stunned.

“In your head, you’re saying it’s 2016, this stuff shouldn’t be happening in our society,” he commented.

There was palpable fear regarding his own flesh and flood. The backward practices and malicious incidents were “a little scary to every parent” he said. Despite his worries, the Hall of Famer felt there was a way to prevent anything from happening to his kids.

A solution through which they knew exactly what to do. It was to instill the correct values, lessons, and critical education. With those 3 things, Dirk believes his children can better navigate the uncertain and at times, unsafe world.

WATCH THIS STORY – “Unbelievable to Watch”: Millions Join Shaquille O’Neal in Awe of the Banned ‘Dead Loop’

“You’re just trying to educate your kids so eventually if they do find themselves in a situation, they can talk themselves out of it or make the right decisions, make the right reads …” Nowitzki told Andscape.

The Nowitzki brand of parenting

Growing up, it wasn’t love lessons that Nowitzki witnessed.

His father didn’t refrain from using a belt to drill the teachings of discipline. However, the NBA legend believes in doing so with a gentle heart with his kids. He has managed to stay brave and tackle the problems with reasonable solutions.

In spite of the hostility in the atmosphere, Dirk Nowitzki and Olsson want their children to learn about their heritage. They take periodic trips to Kenya and Germany. There are family members, traditions, and customs they want their children to inhabit.

READ MORE-Deceived Into Splurging for Noble Cause, Smitten Dirk Nowitzki’s Chance Encounter With Wife of 11 Years Brought to Light

Just like his recent prestigious milestone, Dirk Nowitzki is a Hall of Fame parent breaking the stigmas in our society.