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Triumph, inspiration and strong family values
MILWAUKEE, WI. , February 9, 2010 . . . Milwaukee Bucks guard Charlie Bell and his wife of eight years Kenya, will be featured February 10, 2010 on “Basketball Wives: The E! True Hollywood Stories,” at 9 PM CST.
The Bell’s story of triumph, inspiration and strong family values is a back drop to the fast paced, high energy life style of an NBA family.
The Bells met in college at Michigan State University where Charlie was a sophomore playing for head coach Tom Izzo. Kenya Howard was pursuing a degree in engineering . Charlie was a member of basketballs’ “ Flintstones,” a group of four young men from Flint, Michigan who went on to win the 2000 NCAA National Championship. Kenya Howard won Miss Michigan USA that same year, going on to place in the top ten of the national pageant.
Charlie signed as a free agent with the Phoenix Suns in 2001, and unbeknownst to their families eloped with his college sweetheart Kenya soon after.
The couple experienced disappointment as Charlie’s career took unexpected turns. He was cut from two NBA teams and found himself and Kenya living in his parent’s house in Charlie’s old childhood room, with one twin bed.
In 2002, Charlie and Kenya left for Italy where they had two children, Casey and CJ, and Charlie’s career flourished, becoming a superstar in the Euro League.
The Milwaukee Bucks signed Charlie in 2005 to a two year contract, and resigned him in 2007 to a five year contract.
Kenya and Charlie raise their children in Mequon, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. They share their time together as a family learning Tae Kwon Do, helping Charlie practice his shots at the Milwaukee Bucks practice facility, and having traditional nightly family dinners.
Charlie is also known for his “Hey Charlie, Do My Job,” webisodes. Employees get a day off when Charlie fills in at their workplace. He has worked at a dairy farm, U.S. Postal Service, Wendy’s and a metal stamping facility.
Kenya volunteers throughout the Milwaukee area, focusing on children’s issues, abused women and the arts, and is currently pursuing a pre-med degree to eventually become a medical doctor.
The Milwaukee Bucks power couple live their lives promoting strong family values, encouraging putting families first, and showing the importance of a strong male role model.
