CMU students paint The Fence in memory of Kobe Bryant
The Fence at Carnegie Mellon University was painted yellow and purple in memory of former NBA star Kobe Bryant and eight other people who were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday in California.
Bryant played basketball at Lower Merion High School in suburban Philadelphia. He came to play in Pittsburgh in the 1996 McDonald’s All-American game at the Civic Arena.
Described by CMU as the school’s “unofficial billboard,” The Fence is a low concrete structure in the middle of the campus. A student group may paint it between midnight and sunrise, using brushes only, and two members then stay to guard it. The tradition allows for students to send a social message or promote campus events.
Kristina Serafini is a TribLive photojournalist covering Southwestern Pennsylvania. She is a Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate. Her work has been honored locally and nationally. She can be reached at kserafini@triblive.com.
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