Abraham Kamano, a dedicated student-athlete at City, is on a remarkable journey that weaves together sports, education, and cultural heritage. The 20-year-old basketball player from Prince George's County, Maryland, recently shared his academic journey and international trip to Africa, which have shaped his perspective and ambitions.

Kamano, who comes from a family of African descent—both his parents hail from Guinea Conakry—acknowledges the strong influence his background has had on him. “I had a lot of motivation seeing successful people who looked like me and came from my community,” he said. “Growing up in a diverse environment with strong African roots gave me the belief that I could succeed in this country.”

When reflecting on his academic journey, Kamano admitted that while he was a good student, sports took precedence during his early school years. “I always liked sports, especially basketball, but I didn’t take academics seriously until high school,” he stated. “It was a wake-up call for me to focus on both my education and athletics.” Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected his academic performance, Kamano persevered. "I graduated with a 3.7 GPA," he noted with pride, "and went on to a post-grad year in Tennessee to improve my game and academics."

His journey took a transformative turn when he connected with Coach Joe D’Ambro at City, who recognized his potential. "He told me, 'If you like it, you can come out and play. It's a great opportunity for you,'" Kamano explained. “I never thought I would come to California, but my uncle lived here, and he encouraged me to pursue my dreams,” Kamano explained. He praised the college for its support and opportunities, saying, “City has a lot of resources and truly cares about its students.” The decision to attend City College, with its strong support systems and vibrant community, has proven to be life-changing for him.

Kamano's recent trip to Africa was a transformative experience. “It changed my perspective on so many things,” he said. “What we see on TV about Africa is often misleading. The people are resilient and happy, despite facing challenges.” During his visit, he met inspiring individuals, including a king who recognized Kamano’s potential. “He looked at me and said, ‘You are a strong man,’ and named me after the strongest warrior from his village,” Kamano recalled. “That meant a lot to me, especially as an athlete.”

The journey to Africa reignited Kamano’s desire to give back. “Seeing the hustle of people in the streets who are smiling while working hard makes you realize that happiness isn't tied to material wealth,” he said. He plans to use his experiences to help others, particularly aspiring young athletes in Africa. “I want to create opportunities for kids back home who might not have the resources I was fortunate to have,” he emphasized.

As a student at City, Kamano is also involved with the athletic department, where he has found a supportive community. “The coaches, the staff here, including Dean Sasha Knox, Vice President John Parker, and President Shabazz, have been incredible,” he said. “They really take the time to support me and my dreams.”

Looking ahead, Kamano is focused on his basketball season, aiming for a state championship “I want to win a state championship with my teammates,” he said. He is also continuing his education in psychology. “Psychology interests me because I believe our perception shapes our reality,” he explained. “Understanding the human mind is fascinating, and I want to help others navigate their challenges.”

In a world that often feels divided, Kamano’s story is a reminder of the power of community, resilience, and the importance of giving back. As he reflects on his journey, he remains grateful for the opportunities presented to him at City and the lessons learned from his cultural heritage. “I’m excited about what the future holds,” he said. “I just want to keep moving forward and make a difference.”

As he continues to balance academics and athletics, Kamano represents the essence of what it means to be a student-athlete: determination, growth, and an unwavering commitment to both personal and communal success.