“The Crossover” Reveals 5 Lessons Rooted in Fatherhood and Family

A wise person once told me to go where the love is and nurture it. After watching “The Crossover” on Disney+, that is exactly what was exemplified throughout the entire series. We are introduced to basketball phenom twin brothers Josh and Jordan Bell, who are coming of age on and off the court as their active parents show them support the best way that they know how. With a father who’s a former pro baller and a no-nonsense mother who’s also their school principal, the twins are working to figure out what individuality looks like for them.

Produced by LeBron James’ SpringHill Entertainment and based on an award-winning novel by Kwame Alexander, “The Crossover” is loaded with gems that’ll echo to generations to come. Whether it was the vibrant art that decorated the homes, Basquiat-inspired clothing, or Miles Davis playing through the radio; the Black aesthetic is very loud and necessarily present. Various moments throughout the series will send you on an emotional roller coaster while also plucking those heartstrings. Though there were countless to choose from, these were my top 5 lessons revealed while watching “The Crossover:”

Ego 

It can operate as motivation, or it can steal your joy and replace it with feelings of inadequacy. No matter our age, we must learn to check it when need be. 

Purpose

As parents, sometimes the desire to lead children down a path based on our own expectations can neglect them of where their true aspirations reside. Their enthusiasm gets writers blocked by a lack of passion towards a game that they never signed up for. Curiosity needs to be explored for purpose to prosper.

Forgiveness

Once we are heavy-handed with it, we realize that it is the necessary ingredient to living a lighter life. Past decisions can feel like a weighted blanket, but once we allow ourselves to release the weight, we create space for more love to enter.

Communicate

 Hero Syndrome runs deep in the black community. It impacts black men by a fear of presenting as weak and black women who are so accustomed to solving everyone else’s problems that they rarely check in with themselves. Vulnerability is an opportunity for empowerment so it is important to communicate effectively, LISTEN TO OUR BODIES, and ask for help when necessary.

Adapt

Unforeseen things can happen, but just like a crossover, there is power in redirection. Life isn’t solely just based on what happens to you but how you respond to it. We must all be open and willing to adapt.

Langston Hughes once said, “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die. Life is a broken-winged bird. That cannot fly.” It’s safe to say that all hands involved ensured “The Crossover” soared through the sky becoming a beautiful portrayal about how Black love is reflected through romance, brotherhood, and parenthood. I expected nothing less with an ALL BLACK writer’s room, ALL BLACK showrunners (Damani Johnson, Kwame Alexander, & Kim Harrison), BLACK FEMALE directors (Nefertite Nguvu, Cierra Glaude, Winnie Holmes), alongside executive producer/director George Tillman and Erin O’Malle. In collaboration with Springhill Company, founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, this all-star production team was set up for success.

I thoroughly appreciate the series for its transcendent relatability and the reflection that we are not one-dimensional. Life has its pivotal moments, but once we discover our purpose, we can always find a way to score in the basket. Whatever is truly for you, will not miss you.

With rising stars Jalyn Hall and Amir O’Neil under the same roof as Derek Luke and Sabrina Revelle, the audience is gifted with an array of entertainment. “The Crossover” is now streaming on Disney+, so do yourself a favor and check it out!