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Molett, whose sons Kyle, 13, -- a basketball player -- and Tyler, 12, -- a basketball player and saxophonist -- also appeared in the photo, said Beyond the Ball launched a social media campaign asking parents to write letters revealing why their child is a \"brilliant boy of color.\"

Those chosen would appear in the photo which will run on the cover of Southern Dallas Magazine.

\"It was like there was finally someone asking them about the good stuff [about] their brilliant boys,\" Molett said. \"[At times] it’s, 'how do you feel as a black mother about the police violence?' As a parent you always want to brag about your babies but you don’t have the opportunity so it just meant the world to all of us.\"

Molett said the boys' dreams of becoming a ballplayer can often distract them from their academic pursuit.

Beyond the Ball incorporates science, math and technology innovations that exist in the sports industry and extend beyond the court or on the field.

\"PHOTO:
Chris Carlson/AP
PHOTO: In this file photo taken on July 26, 2018, retired NBA star Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna watch during the U.S. national championships swimming meet in Irvine, California.
>

Molett said the 100 children and teens in the photo embody Bryant’s \"mamba mentality,\" which he coined as he inspired young athletes to be the best versions of themselves.

Posing in the powerful photo on the steps of the African American Museum of Dallas were lacrosse players, swimmers, basketball players, members of ROTC, fire academy members, second-chance high school graduates and more accomplished youth of black and Latino decent.

Williams she nominated her son Bryson to appear in the photo not only because he plays football and runs track, but he has been her biggest support system as she fights stage 4 breast cancer.

\"He’s been the most amazing big brother to his [2-year-old] sister,\" Williams told \"GMA.\" \"If I’m having days where I just can’t, he steps in. He makes sure she eats, she’s entertained, she gets ready for bed, changing diapers, potty training.\"

\"He care of his business without letting his circumstances stop what he needs to do.\"

Williams went on, noting how she wants everyone to know that black boys are \"not just athletes.\"

\"PHOTO:
Katisha Williams
PHOTO: Bryson Miller, 18, not only plays football and runs track, but he has been her biggest support system as she fights stage 4 breast cancer. Seen here in this undated photo, he poses with his sister Ava, 2.
>

\"That’s not all they’re here for,\" she said. \"They can be nurses, caregivers, nurturers -- there’s all these things people don’t see.\"

\"You see this tall, 6-foot, broad-shoulder young man walking through and some people may fear him,\" Williams added. :There’s nothing to fear. My son is the most kind-hearted, laid-back kid you’ll ever want to meet. This [photo] was an opportunity to show him, 'This is what we think of you. You are amazing.'\"

Tyesha Lowe’s 16-year-old son Broderick Lowe II, was also chosen to be in the photo.

Broderick enjoys community service and often volunteers at a local homeless shelter.

\"He has two relatives that are NFL football players,\" Lowe told \"GMA.\" \"He’s taken his love for the game and transitioned it into what he loves and he’s passionate about. He sees it doesn’t have to be about sports.\"

\"PHOTO:
Kauwuane Burton Studios
PHOTO: Kauwuane Burton, a professional photographer at Kauwuane Burton Studios, snapped a picture of 100 students and athletes who are dedicating the image to NBA champion Kobe Bryant, who died shortly before the picture was taken.
>

Nine minutes before photographer Kauwuane Burton snapped the picture, Molett, the kids and their parents learned that Bryant had died in the crash.

Lowe said she and the other families were shocked by the news.

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\"Broderick said to me, 'Mom, Kobe Bryant was an example of greatness. This will lead me to greatness as well,'\" Lowe said.

Williams said the atmosphere during the shoot immediately shifted.

\"That was a really powerful moment, just looking around the room,\" she added.

Given the inspiring messages behind the photograph, Molett said her bigger vision is to have 1,000 boys of color on the steps of the Africa American museum in Washington, D.C., someday soon.

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