Dr. Bettina Love, a prominent figure in American education, reflects on how basketball has profoundly influenced her life and career. A former elementary school teacher turned professor, she examines the intersections of race, gender, class, and social justice in her work. Dr. Love is currently the William F. Russell Professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and the Athletic Association Endowed Professor at the University of Georgia.
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She is a best-selling author, known for works such as "Hip Hop’s Li’l Sistas Speak" and "We Want to Do More Than Survive." Her latest project, a children's book titled "Bettina and The Ball," is an autobiographical tale about a young girl whose love for basketball opens doors of opportunity, inspired by her own relationship with her father.
In an interview with Swish Appeal, Dr. Love highlights the impact of her father, who encouraged her passion for basketball even though he wasn’t an athlete. She describes herself as a 'gym rat,' driven by her love for the sport, which she credits with teaching her discipline, commitment, and the importance of perseverance. She acknowledges that without basketball, she likely would not have pursued higher education, as it provided her with opportunities that seemed unattainable otherwise.
Throughout her career, both as a teacher and now as a professor, Dr. Love hopes to inspire her students to discover their passions. She emphasizes that her book is about joy, perseverance, and the importance of following one’s dreams. According to her, the story serves as a love letter to her father and a celebration of finding joy through sports.
Dr. Love recognizes the increasing visibility of women’s basketball but also acknowledges the backlash against it. She contends that while her children's book is not aimed at addressing these societal issues, it exists to encourage joy and love among children. She stresses that her focus is on allowing kids to experience happiness through reading and connection with the story, rather than placing the weight of societal challenges on a children's narrative.