On Wednesday, July 9, the Emerson College Alumni community was shaken by the passing of beloved former Men's Basketball player Kabir Moss.

Moss graduated in 2011 with a BA in Writing, Literature and Publishing. After more than three years in the Peace Corps, he established himself as a political operative in New Jersey, first as Deputy Director of Communications in the New Jersey State Democratic Office. He later founded Moss Media, a communications and public relations firm.

From 2008-11, Moss starred on the basketball court for Emerson under the tutelage of Hank Smith.

Former members of the program reflected on Moss's unique and deeply-felt impact:

He had a light about him that was special. His energy, optimism, and kindness was infectious and genuine. We're all better for having known him.

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His presence always made life feel lighter and joyful. When I think of Kabir I think of laughter, I think of warmth and kindness. The most sincere kind. He brought liveliness and fun vibes. You felt when he was there and when he wasn't. Our stories of him will be cherished. 

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Kabir was a superlative teammate and an even better friend. His wide smile, infectious laugh, and unmatched work ethic will live on. Everyone who spent time with Kabir was better for it, and the Emerson community will mourn his loss. 

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Kabir was a special soul. I was always taken by his ability to genuinely care for and work to help people, without pretext. He had a goodness that was infectious, whether you saw him daily or went months, or years, without talking. He will be deeply missed. 

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An expert motivator and ultimate teammate. He didn't care one bit about himself or his own success. Instead, he beamed with pride and excitement when someone else got theirs.

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As the heartbeat of our Emerson squad, I always looked up to him and his selfless desire to give everything to the team and his brothers. Kabir had this way of making everyone feel loved. If you spent more than 5 minutes with him, you'd be laughing, crying, hugging, and everything in between. But that was Kabir, he poured his heart out to the people and things he cared about.

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The endless stories, the tears as a result of nonstop laughter, the meaningful conversations, that unbreakable bond. This is how I will always remember him. He wore his heart on his sleeve, he was passionate for what he believed in, he would not shy away from saying he loved you, and he was always there to help a friend in need.

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Kabir was one of a kind. He was one of the first people who made me feel welcome on the team. We had great laughs together and shared some quiet moments too. He was someone I truly enjoyed getting to know. And I will miss him very much. I wish I had one more day to talk with him to tell him I love him. How much he made a difference for me when I was playing. Just that laughing moment or passing handshake that made me feel part of something.

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Kabir is one of the greatest and kindest humans I have ever had the privilege of knowing. He was the consummate teammate and the master of the offensive rebound kick-out for an open three. Ever the unselfish player as he was a person, I will always remember our time together as teammates.

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For anyone who truly knew Kabir you'd know how much of a good person he was and how he uplifted every room he entered. Let's do everything in our power to keep Kabir's legacy alive forever.

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Kabir could always lift you up. Anyone who's known him had their day made better by his extraordinarily positive, welcoming, kind, encouraging, and enthusiastic nature. I'm lucky to say one of the nicest people and supportive teammates was my friend.

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Kabir was one of the kindest people I've ever met. He made everyone around him feel like family. He was a humanitarian and an honorable man that chose a life that advocated and fought for the value and dignity of all people.

Interested parties are invited to make a donation to the Emerson Basketball Legacy Fund in the name of the "teammates of Kabir Moss".

The Emerson Basketball Legacy Fund was established in January 2025 by distinguished alumnus Sam Presti ('00) and family. The endowed fund supports the men's and women's basketball programs at the college.