Tarik Black is a former NBA and international professional basketball player whose
unwavering faith has been the foundation of a journey marked by extraordinary
opportunities and experiences. From entering the NBA as an undrafted player to
earning a place alongside Kobe Bryant during Bryant's final season with the Los
Angeles Lakers, and later competing professionally in some of the world's most
fascinating countries, Tarik has witnessed firsthand how faith, preparation and
purpose can open unexpected doors. Today, as an entrepreneur, investor, family
man and speaker, he explores the powerful connection between faith, opportunity,
business and community. His global perspective shapes his work in leadership,
wealth creation, personal growth and community impact.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Black attended and played for the University of
Memphis before completing his collegiate basketball career at the University of
Kansas. He earned a bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership and later
completed a master's degree in African and African American Studies.
Black played professionally in the NBA with the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles
Lakers prior to seven years competing globally for Israel, Turkey, Russia, Greece,
Italy and France. Living and working across multiple countries provided firsthand
experience navigating diverse cultures, leadership styles and business environments
while broadening his understanding of how relationships, opportunity and community
intersect across different settings.
As a native Memphian, Tarik Black understands the challenges many young people
face and the transformative power of access, exposure and opportunity. He believes
that individuals who have achieved success have a responsibility to help build
ecosystems of support that create pathways for others to thrive. Guided by that
belief, he founded a youth development nonprofit organization in his hometown
dedicated to helping young people rise above their circumstances and expand their
vision for what is possible. Today, the Taking Back the Future (TBF) organization is
led by his mother, Judith Black Moore. While no longer involved in the organization's
day-to-day operations, Tarik remains an active supporter, connecting people,
resources and opportunities that help TBF create impactful life education programs
for young people in the Memphis community.
Through faith, entrepreneurship, investing and philanthropy, Tarik Black continues to
pursue the purpose God reveals for his life while building a legacy of service, impact
and opportunity. Committed to lifelong growth, he believes that experiences are most
valuable when they are shared to help others learn, lead and succeed. Alongside his
wife, Kennedy, and their children, Na'im, Kiya and Eliyanah, he is focused on making
a difference through impactful storytelling and conversations that leave audiences
with a broader sense of purpose.
Tarik and his family reside in the Dallas area.