What does activism have to do with Valentine’s Day?

Here in Philadelphia, basketball legends often become community heroes. Wali Jones stands as a living example of active love in action. Born on Valentine’s Day, Jones transformed from a 1967 Sixers champion into something far more significant. He’s a living embodiment of activism in action.

Talk about a current, living example of active love—putting love into action. He has a gift for doing that. It’s no exception that he’s our Valentine’s Day gift. Here to remind us that the market for chocolate-covered strawberries, Hallmark movies, and cards is great. But romantic love doesn’t hold a candle to the love of humanity. This truth is embodied in Wali Jones Valentine’s Legend-a story that continues to inspire Philadelphia and beyond.

The Valentine’s Day Activist: More Than a Basketball Legend

Here in Philly, where the Liberty Bell rings with promises of freedom, Wali’s voice echoes Martin Luther King’s dream and the civil rights movement. (Check out The Day After…MLK). It’s a special reminder how the Philadelphia basketball community leaders carried forward Dr. King’s dream through direct action and community engagement. He’s an example of words that stir our souls.

Wali’s the best example I know of an activist on and off the basketball court. Put the two together, and we’ve got a Valentine’s Day Activist in our midst.

We all need a shot of what Wali’s having. Wali knows best, “Love rules, and love heals all types of sickness.”

Three Iconic Black Civil Rights Activists were born on Valentine’s Day, but they have all passed away. It’s time for the list to be updated. Let’s add Wali to the mix. His story doesn’t just belong in history books. It’s living and breathing in our community, inspiring the next generation of activists.

Passing the Ball to a New Generation of Activists

When my daughter needed an example of a current-day activist for her history paper, I had questions. I wasn’t entirely sure what defined an activist. It’s someone who stands for what they believe in, right? People who march for inequality, give speeches, get involved in their community, and try to make a change. I think of activists who are no longer here. But who’s that activist now?

Let’s pass that ball to Wali. To fully understand Wali Jones Valentine’s Legend, we need to trace his journey from athlete to activist.

The Activist Journey of Wali Jones

As Wali said, “I became an activist because we wanted to be scholar-athletes. We didn’t want to be dumb jocks or known as negro basketball players. That’s what they were calling us at the time.”

“For me, activism started with the Civil Rights rally, marching, and identifying with my heritage. I’m black, I’m proud. We weren’t taught black history in 1957. If you don’t know your history, you don’t know where you’re going.”

Many African American basketball players changed their names in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Walt Hazzard, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Wali.

“Even when I went to Virginia, they wouldn’t allow Negroes to eat or be in a hotel in 1963.”

“I didn’t see that prejudice in Philadelphia.” Philadelphia shaped Wali, and in turn, he helped shape the City of Brotherly Love’s commitment to community activism.

Wali’s activism didn’t just shape his identity off the court. It influenced his approach to the game and his role in the community. Now, if you know basketball, you know Wali. Philadelphia basketball history proudly remembers him as a dynamic guard who helped the ‘67 Sixers bring a championship home. But his personal victory started in the streets of West Philly.

His mother ensured that all her kids were well-educated. His father, Pop Jones, who lived until 107, carried his own remarkable legacy of community impact. Check out An Ode To Pop Jones.

Between them, they laid the foundation of values that help explain how legends pass their torch through generations.

Carrying Forward Wali Jones Valentine’s Legend

In 1972, Wali co-wrote a book, Black Champions Challenge American Sports. Due to the open discussion of the lynchings, the book was considered “too sensitive.” He wasn’t allowed to advertise it and it has since gone out of circulation. Whether people want to hear it or not, Wali speaks his truths.

Wali said, “You’re an activist on the day you’re born. To be active is to be alive. To stand by truth is to be active.” He maintains his truth by teaching these very words to the kids. He leads them to better themselves, stand up for their beliefs, and speak their truths.

He’s a natural speaker and inspires the kids to feel good about themselves. He inspires them with truths that bear repeating. Victims don’t make a difference, but solidarity does. This is where Wali Jones Valentine’s Legend becomes your story, too.

You’re an example of an Activist, too.

Hopefully, you’re beginning to shift your mindset away from thinking, “Look at what this world is coming to.” It’s easy to blame outside forces for our misery. It’s even easier to stay stuck in fear. The hardest step we’ll ever have to take is when we feel mired in cement. But even a baby step out of inertia is a step toward love—even if it’s a baby step!

But if Wali Jones Valentine’s Legend can inspire these kids, hopefully, he’ll inspire you now, too.

We honor our legends like Wali so we can gain the strength to carry the torch along with him. It’s not just about reading a post and thinking, “How nice!” It’s our turn to love this world.

You might not see yourself as a legend. Maybe you think that title belongs to someone else—a teammate, a partner, a parent. But legends aren’t born on basketball courts or in arenas. They’re made in the quiet moments, the hard days, and the times you make the impossible seem possible.

So, as you read these words, I hope you realize that you are part of this wonderful world. And the legacy you’re building? It’s legendary. It’s time to take your place in this continuing story of love and activism.

It’s Your Turn To Carry The Valentine’s Torch

Think about the people who’ve supported you, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the love you’ve shared. You carry the torch of truth and love now, even if you don’t realize it. So, what will your next move be? Because the world needs your legendary play.

These words from Wali Jones echoed from Pop Jones through Philly’s streets today, calling us to action.

“The most active thing you can do is stand for something so you don’t fall for anything.”