Anthony Gilbert (journalist)

Anthony “AG” Gilbert (b. October 24, 1975) is an American journalist of sports culture and trends, as well as CEO of the sports marketing and consulting firm AXG, LLC

Career

Anthony Gilbert is a well-established journalist and consultant, who is accredited for contributing his writing and consulting to the mainstream media cross over of sports and sneaker culture. Gilbert began writing for "Slam Magazine", and has been published in "Vibe", "Complex", "Bounce", "Peace Magazine" (Canada), and "Acclaim" (Australia) magazines. His column, "By Any Means Necessary", can be read in "Sole Collector Magazine". Gilbert continues to work with Nike and consults with advertising firms like Wieden+Kennedy and ANOMALY. Some of Gilbert’s broadcast appearances include segments on ESPN shows like "It’s the Shoes" and "Cold Pizza", BET Style, MTV 1 Night Only, MTV UK, Style Network, and MSG Network. Gilbert spreads his knowledge as a sneaker connoisseur and insights about the sports industry. He is featured in the Nike film, "1 Love" (January 2008), documenting his life and love of the game.

Biography

Born and raised in West Philadelphia during the prime era of Hip Hop, Anthony Gilbert was influenced by this movement and also desired the fashionable sneakers evolving in urban culture. As a young man, Gilbert was brought up on the basketball court and played for the Sonny Hill League from 1992. Besides the hoop dream of playing pro basketball, he aspired to be a United States Armed Services Member like his father and elder brother. Instead of following his family into the military, they encouraged him to attend college directly after his graduation from Philadelphia Montgomery High School.

Gilbert went on to attend Temple University, in North Philadelphia. Here he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated Lambda Chapter. Gilbert studied for a degree in Broadcast, Telecommunications and Mass Media with a focus in Sports Communication. He gained valuable experience during his university years. Gilbert along with Carlton Ferebee started the SLAM Magazine college marketing rep program. They worked with Spiro Maroulis to promote SLAM at events, college campuses, and high profile basketball games. Gilbert worked in various university departments such as the Temple University’s Office of Student Activities, where he learned his business operations skills. When he worked for the Temple University Sports Media department with the men’s and women’s basketball, football, and volleyball teams, Gilbert was under the guidance of Ethel Johnson, where he got his start with the volleyball team. At the time, Sharia Bryant, Kobe Bryant’s oldest sister, was the star of the volleyball team. Gilbert was first introduced to Kobe and the Bryant Family, which has grown into a continuing kinship.

Being that Gilbert stayed in his home city while in university, he maintained a strong relationship with his community. He continued to be apart of the same Sonny Hill Basketball programs that raised him, by giving back. Gilbert would contribute his time as a camp counselor, player, or coach. Through his various volunteering efforts in his city and university, Gilbert was presented with the Black Rose Award from the Beta Delta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, in 1999 for a high standard of community service.

Some of Gilbert’s internship experiences include working in the Philadelphia 76ers public relations department. He also interned for Madison Square Garden working for the New York Knicks in the marketing department and held a public relations position with the WNBA New York Liberty. This is what began Gilbert’s career as a writer. By frequenting events and assisting professional athletes with media appearances, Gilbert began penning these court side conversations, which later appeared on websites. Through the fruits of his labor, Gilbert graduated from the School of Communication and Theater program in 2001, and began working with the National Basketball Association in New York City.

Gilbert has been writing for various magazines and has made major network appearances as the sneaker authority. He started his own sports marketing and consulting firm AXG, LLC in 2006, which is based on his education at Temple University and opportunities to work and network within the sports industry. He has worked with Andre Iguodala, Candice Dupree, and actor Idris Elba. Gilbert continues to credit his influences as Robert “Scoop” Jackson, Ryan Jones, Bobbito Garcia, Steven A. Smith, Isaac Perry, and Chris Broussard.

External links

*http://www.anthonyxgilbert.com
*http://schememag.com/fresh/anthony-gilbert-soul-brother-1/

References

Gilbert, Anthony. Home page. 2006. 8 Dec. 2007.

Coachman, Dale. “Anthony Gilbert: Soul Brother #1.” Scheme 11 Jun. 2007. 8 Dec. 2007 .

Vulkan “Anthony Gilbert ‘I Am Legend’.” Syndication 2 Dec. 2007. 8 Dec. 2007 .