By Nunnie Robinson
If the name Samborghinil6lX seems perplexing, relax. In hindsight, after reading about Sam “Pop” Bruce’s life, never has a more apropos moniker been coined. You see, Sam’s accomplishments as an Athletic prodigy demanded a nickname befitting his talents so being compared to one of the most expensive, elaborately, engineered automobiles was both prophetic and perfect. Representing the Westside Gazette and publisher Bobby R. Henry, Sonia Henry-Robinson and I accepted an invitation to attend an event, a misnomer if ever there was one, in honor of a young man affectionately known as Pop, sponsored by his loving, devoted mother, Mrs. Tracye Wilkerson. Others in attendance included family members, teammates, schoolmates and friends. Salad Boss, located on the first floor of the newly minted Boys & Girls Club on Sistrunk Boulevard, served as the perfect venue for this heartwarming book/signing tribute to a son whose life ended tragically too soon. At the time of his ascension as an athletic prodigy, and indeed he was, my career path had taken me away from the coaching arena, but as a sports enthusiast, I was keenly aware of Pop’s exploits and achievements in South Florida. Prodigies are exceptional in their areas of expertise, far superior to those with comparable measurables, talents and skill sets, something Pop/Samborghini6ix proved on every level of sports competition: football, basketball, gymnastics, track no matter the venue, level of competition or time frame. His talents were prevalent in optimist league , middle school, Pop Warner, flag football and high school.
The book signing was an obvious focus for Mrs. Wilkerson, who took great pains in personally autographing each book, pre-ordered or purchased on site, for those who knew Pop intimately as teachers, coaches, relatives, teammates or friends. And that number was extensive based on attendance and crowd volume. Pop’s engaging personality, competitive nature, love of the game, impact on others and intrinsic family foundation based in Christian principles ensured ultimate success. Her dear friend, Alexia Bridges, an executive with the Children Services Council, stated thusly, “ I met Tracye when I was younger through some Girl Scout friends, and we all took a hand in babysitting Sam and his sisters when he was about a year old. I reconnected with Tracye in my adult years, and when Sam passed, I joined the cause in keeping his legacy alive through the non-profit, SAMBORGHINI6IX. It was a wonderful networking opportunity through my position at the CSC to invite various media outlets to join in the promotion of this book signing to help spread the cause and Sam’s story with our community. I believe there are so many more opportunities to come, and I hope that we can all work together to make them happen. “
The book titled, The Life and Legacy of Sam “Samborghinil6lX” Bruce Jr. The Journey
Anything But a Game, chronicles his life through the words and experiences of one Tracye Wilkerson, a proud, loving and devoted Christian mother driven by one stated purpose: keeping her son’s legacy alive. On page 82, the final page of book, Tracye says, “ It is paramount that I, as his mom, will see to it that the Samborghini6ix name lives on. We can erect something great, world changing, and lasting if a solid foundation is laid. People Magazine has already set the stage. I was shocked to learn that Pop was named among the most important and influential people to pass in 2022. My baby boy was 76 of 108 named. The queen of England was on the cover. Wow! He was associated with so many famous people that many may say he was not on their level or status, but God saw fit. Again, It was God‘s orchestration.
Pop’s going home to be with God was simply a seed, and from the Samborghini6ix seed that was sown, I have gained more sons than I can count who call, text, visit and love on me daily.”
On a personal note, I found this book about a mother’s love for her son and his potential as an athlete and as a man all encompassing, uplifting, gut-wrenching, exhilarating, and inspiring, one replete with life lessons that anyone can benefit from, even if athletics weren’t the primary, integral focus. The lessons are numerous and worthy of your time. Thanks Mrs. Trace Wilkerson for sharing your son’s amazing journey with us.
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