Sean Bell All-Stars, led by coach Raheem “Rah” Wiggins from Jamaica, Queens, is known as one of the most successful streetball teams in New York City. The team’s name pays homage to Sean Bell, a former high school baseball star tragically killed in 2006 at the age of 23 by plain-clothes police officers. Wiggins, a childhood friend of Bell, renamed his team in memory of his fallen friend, and since then, the team has become a dominant force in streetball, featuring players like Lance Stephenson and Tyshawn Taylor.
In the film “Bring Your Name,” director Raafi Rivero provides an intimate look at the team in action at Brooklyn’s Gersh Park. Wiggins emphasizes the importance of keeping Sean Bell’s memory alive and the unwavering dedication to the team’s success. Rivero, known for the Unarmed project honoring Black victims of police violence, hopes to inspire viewers with the everyday heroism of individuals like Rah Wiggins.
“Bring Your Name” will debut at the BlackStar Film Festival in Philadelphia before making its way to playground basketball venues in New York City and other film festivals. Rivero’s goal is to showcase the film’s message of remembrance and resilience to a wide audience.
Images by Jon Lopez.
