Little Black Girl Asks Stephen Curry: ‘Does God Care About People Like Me?’ – His Reply Touched Many | HO

On a crisp autumn afternoon in Oakland, California, a question from a 9-year-old Black girl would go on to spark a wave of hope, faith, and change across the nation. The girl, Zoe Williams, with her colorful braids and searching eyes, was no stranger to feeling different. She lived with her grandmother, Gloria, after losing her mother two years prior, and every day at Lincoln Heights Elementary School brought new reminders of the world’s divisions.

One day, after being quietly excluded from a classmate’s birthday party and overhearing whispers about “people like her,” Zoe returned home with a heavy heart. Her grandmother, balancing two jobs, noticed the sadness but knew better than to press. That evening, they attended Bible study at New Dawn Baptist Church—a place where Zoe usually felt safe, but where even the stained-glass windows depicted only white faces. “Grandma, why are all the pictures of Jesus white?” Zoe asked. Gloria explained gently that Jesus was likely brown-skinned, but history had let others control the images. “God doesn’t love one group more than another,” she assured, but Zoe’s doubts lingered.

That night, under the glow of the fluorescent stars her mother had once stuck to her ceiling, Zoe whispered into the darkness, “Does God care about people like me?” It was a question too big for her small frame, yet one that echoed in countless hearts.

Meeting a Hero

The following Saturday, the East Oakland Community Center buzzed with excitement. NBA superstar Steph Curry was coming to a charity event, and Zoe and Gloria were among the volunteers. For Zoe, who watched every Warriors game with her grandmother, Curry was more than a basketball player—he was a symbol of faith and perseverance.

The gym was transformed: hoops at every height, tables overflowing with donated sneakers and school supplies, and a banner that read, “Believe in Your Potential.” When Curry arrived, his presence filled the room—not with celebrity bravado, but with genuine warmth. He greeted volunteers, knelt to talk with children, and made everyone feel seen.

Zoe, shy and unsure, busied herself organizing sneakers. When Curry reached her group, he knelt to her level and asked her name. “Zoe Williams,” she whispered. “That’s a beautiful name. Do you like basketball?” She nodded, explaining she watched games with her grandma. Curry’s expression softened. “Your grandma must be very special.” Zoe replied quietly, “She is. She’s taken care of me since my mom went to heaven.” Curry nodded, a look of understanding in his eyes.

The Question That Stunned the Room

Later, during a Q&A session, children lined up to ask Curry about his favorite foods, his training, and his childhood. Zoe hung back, her question too heavy for the lighthearted atmosphere. But an event coordinator, noticing her hesitation, gently encouraged her. “He’d want to hear your question.”

Finally, with trembling hands, Zoe stepped to the microphone. “Mr. Curry, I have a question about God.” The gym fell silent. “Do you think God cares about people like me—people who are Black?”

A hush swept the room. Curry’s eyes widened, then softened with empathy. He walked over, knelt beside Zoe, and spoke so the whole room could hear. “Zoe, can I tell you something? When I was little, I sometimes wondered the same thing. Even though my dad was a pro basketball player, there were times people saw only my skin color. I once asked my mom if God cared about me, and she told me, ‘Steph, every star in the sky is different, but God knows each by name. He knows you—not by your skin, but by your heart.’”

He continued, “The Bible says, ‘Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’ God doesn’t care about the color of our skin. He cares about who we are inside, the love we show, and the kindness in our hearts. When people said I was too small to play basketball, I remembered, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’” Curry slipped off his black silicone bracelet, engraved with those words, and placed it on Zoe’s wrist. “This reminds me every day. Now it’s yours.”

Tears streamed down Zoe’s face as Curry said, “God made you exactly as you are—for a special purpose. Your skin, your hair, your heart—they’re all part of God’s perfect plan. Don’t ever doubt your worth.” The gym erupted in applause as Curry hugged Zoe, and a local journalist captured the moment on video.

A Wave of Hope and Change

The video went viral overnight, shared by NBA stars, celebrities, pastors, and everyday people. “Our God cares” and “Zoe asks” trended across social media. In their small Oakland apartment, Zoe and Gloria watched in disbelief as the world responded to a question Zoe thought no one else would understand. “Why are so many people talking about this?” Zoe asked. “Because you asked what many are afraid to ask, and Mr. Curry gave the answer we all needed,” Gloria replied.

Soon, national news outlets reached out for interviews. Steph Curry himself called Gloria, proposing a new program—Loved by God—offering mentorship and scholarships to children facing racial bias and faith struggles. Zoe would be the first participant, and Curry’s foundation pledged a full scholarship for her future studies.

Churches began to diversify their imagery. Sermons focused on the image of God in all people. At Zoe’s school, a new “Valued by God” club was founded—with a waiting list. Even Lily, the girl who hadn’t invited Zoe to her party, joined.

The Ripple Effect

A month later, Zoe and Gloria were special guests at a Warriors game. On center court, Curry presented Zoe with a team-signed basketball, and the crowd gave a standing ovation to the little girl who had once doubted her place in God’s love. Backstage, NBA stars—LeBron James among them—thanked Zoe for her courage. “Your question changed lives, including mine,” LeBron said.

A year passed. The video continued to inspire, the Loved by God program expanded to 12 states, and Zoe—now 10—helped teach Sunday school at her church, which now displayed stained glass of diverse biblical figures. One Sunday, a 7-year-old girl named Aaliyah approached Zoe, asking, “Does God care about people like me?” Zoe knelt down, bracelet still on her wrist, and replied, “God doesn’t just care about us—He made us exactly as we are, for a special purpose. You can do all things through Him who strengthens you.”

From the back of the room, Gloria watched with pride and tears. The question that had once haunted her granddaughter had become a beacon for so many. Above Zoe’s bed hung a photo of her and Steph Curry on center court, with the words in childish handwriting: “God cares about me, and I care about others.”

The courage of a little girl, and the wisdom of a basketball star, had reminded the world that in God’s eyes, all are loved—equally, fully, and forever.