If you know junior basketball star Evan Hines, you know he’s proud to be African American. Having dreams that are greater than becoming a professional athlete, being African American influences this young man on and off the court. With roots back in southern America and western Europe, sharing both Haitian and Polish nationalities in his household, Hines embraces both in his everyday life to be the person he is today.

“I feel like I’m targeted for being black. I feel as though I was born lesser than all other people just because I’m black. But that’s okay, I love being black. I love who I am,” he said.

With many stereotypes, judgments, and generalizations, Hines always finds a way to channel that into positive energy.

“I know there are many stereotypes, many ignorant people, but I don’t care. I’m bigger than someone who judges for the color of my skin,” Hines shared. “Yeah, I embrace being black. My everyday life is different, being black is much different than being another race. My family customs, athletics, my appetite, and my dialect [are different]. But just because I’m different doesn’t make that bad.”

As different as he is, Hines absolutely loves the perks that come with his nationalities.

“I love the food my mom cooks. I love the traditions we have, the customs we practice. I love being Haitian and Polish,” he said.

When it all boils down, Hines feels that though his culture is very different from his friends, they have quite a bit in common.

“Me and my friends aren’t much different, me and my teammates aren’t much different either. We share hobbies and interests just like any other friend group. I feel like being black makes things even better. It makes our friend group more diverse,” Hines said.

As a young African American, Hines believes his race and nationality make him who he is as a basketball player, a friend, a student, and a citizen. His love for the game, his passion for music, and his love for his family can all be traced back to his unique nationality.