I keep a photograph of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. shaking hands hanging above my bed. It’s my favorite thing to look at when I’m feeling like I can’t face the next day, or when I feel like the hurdles that life puts before me are getting tougher and tougher to jump over. I think I like to look at the black and white photo so much because the two herculean and complex leaders are smiling. With all the things that were going on around them at the time, with all the hate and contempt so many Americans had for them, they were still able to smile. If they could smile in the face of personal danger and certain death, all in the name of freedom, then I can smile and drag my ass to work.Â
Today two black NFL coaches are going to go at it in the Super Bowl. I personally don’t care much about the Colts or the Bears (I’m a New Yorker, dammit!), yet this to me is one of the most exciting sporting events ever. Then, on top of this developing black history moment, we have Prince providing the half-time entertainment. It’s all good – so long as we do not lose sight of the fact that not a single football team is owned by a black person. We still have a ways to go in terms of the business side of sports.
From Mansa Musa, to Dr. King, to Barack Obama, I enjoy Black History not just this, the shortest month on the calendar, but every month. When I think about the history of black people in this country and in the world I often get chills. The success and suffering of my people is such an enigmatic juxtaposition that I can spend hours reading about and pondering the past, present, and future of black people.  I can’t be sure of what the future may hold, I’m no psychic, though I can be certain that the tradition of strength, endurance, integrity, and pride will carry black folk forward. I can also be cetain that a black coach will lead his team to victory in the Super Bowl tonight.  Â
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Loving the symbolism in this post. Although, I could care less about the superbowl – lol. I’m a native Chicagoan, wanted the Bears to win – but didn’t lose any sleep though.
And didn’t Prince work it, even in the rain? 😉
Superbowl XLI, was truly a groundbreaking performance! For those who are not of our culture, they might not understand the pride that we have for these two very remarkable men. They have not only proven themselves individually to be, the best; but they also carried themselves in the most sincere, respectful, and confident manner. I tried not to go there, but I do have great pride in these men, I know they are one of many who continue to pave the way for us, but they are the two in the “current limelight” who are there based on skill, knowledge, and experience, and not because of who and what they are…but whom they have become. Simply stated…we do have much to overcome, but we are truly one step closer.
I thought that you and your readers of this post might enjoy linking to or reading the articles that are a part of the blogosphere…
Gangsta Rap and Pulpit Wealth: A Tale of Two Greeds
http://www.theosyst.blogspot.com
I wish you many blessings.
Strong post.
I think that as significant as having two black coaches in the national spotlight, was the fact that they are both solid men and leaders. It’s obvious that their players, white and black, respect them for the men that they are, irrespective of their color.
And good for Prince and the dancers for not breaking ankles on the slippery stage. I didn’t like prince back in the day, but as I get old I seem to be reveling in all things eighties. He really kicked some butt.
This was a great post. Black History shouldn’t be ONLY celebrated monthly, but daily. We’ve made so many contributions to society and do on a consistent basis so I believe that we should be recognized on a regular basis.
I was excited about the super bowl and the fact that this was the first time a black coach had taken their team to the super bowl. I tried to keep that in mind as I was weeping over The Bears loss. UGH! I was a great game and a wonderful addition to OUR History.
Being born and living in Chicago for several years I love The Bears, and Living in MN for 23 years, you KNOW I’m a Prince Fan. Smile!