Last week, I kept myself busy by responding to the people of Fort Myers, Florida in their response to Deion Sanders’ article on Michael Vick and the subsequent response of the NFL Network to him.
As the comments went back and forth, it was always my intention to remain respectful and I did. After all, I felt I was stepping in for a voice, similar to mine and others, which had been silenced all the while thinking and speaking not in his exact words, but marking how I thought those words might be used and articulated. I am not sure if I educated the people in that community, but they most definitely educated me. I learned that no matter how many gains and contributions African-Americans make, we still have a great work to do. This is by no means to suggest that change is our sole responsibility, but charity always starts at home and spreads abroad.
This lesson was best taught Saturday as I watched the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Since first watching and comprehending the magnitude of what was happening, it was never more heartfelt, spiritual and memorable. Each man as well as their presenter had something very significant to say in terms of the honor itself, their lord and savior who was clearly at the head of their lives, and the careful selection of who was responsible for their success. But no one say it better than Jerry Jones when he said, “Michael Irvin is a Dallas Cowboy.”
There is nothing more American than apple pie, the World Series and being a Dallas Cowboy. All of these things represent what our nation hold dear and sacred. Even though African Americans have proven success when given the opportunity to participate in the American Dream, yet we are still made to feel unworthy.
I thought Michael Irvin’s induction was bitter sweet because I feel that Drew Pearson should be in the Hall of Fame. Drew Pearson was the original number 88, but after Michael spoke, where he was at that moment in time made me realize that it’s much greater than the respect given to a number, but the importance of respect due a man. Michael Irvin gets much respect, and his words were worthy to be praised.
Having said all this, we (African-Americans) must encourage and make sure our children feel good about themselves. Perhaps, we need to redefine who we LOOK UP to. Perhaps, we should GET UP from being complacent and NEVER GIVE UP on the fact that the road ahead is still paved with struggle. The mistakes we make are apart of a process that will eventually get us to place called, “Equals.”
As the comments went back and forth, it was always my intention to remain respectful and I did. After all, I felt I was stepping in for a voice, similar to mine and others, which had been silenced all the while thinking and speaking not in his exact words, but marking how I thought those words might be used and articulated. I am not sure if I educated the people in that community, but they most definitely educated me. I learned that no matter how many gains and contributions African-Americans make, we still have a great work to do. This is by no means to suggest that change is our sole responsibility, but charity always starts at home and spreads abroad.
This lesson was best taught Saturday as I watched the Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Since first watching and comprehending the magnitude of what was happening, it was never more heartfelt, spiritual and memorable. Each man as well as their presenter had something very significant to say in terms of the honor itself, their lord and savior who was clearly at the head of their lives, and the careful selection of who was responsible for their success. But no one say it better than Jerry Jones when he said, “Michael Irvin is a Dallas Cowboy.”
There is nothing more American than apple pie, the World Series and being a Dallas Cowboy. All of these things represent what our nation hold dear and sacred. Even though African Americans have proven success when given the opportunity to participate in the American Dream, yet we are still made to feel unworthy.
I thought Michael Irvin’s induction was bitter sweet because I feel that Drew Pearson should be in the Hall of Fame. Drew Pearson was the original number 88, but after Michael spoke, where he was at that moment in time made me realize that it’s much greater than the respect given to a number, but the importance of respect due a man. Michael Irvin gets much respect, and his words were worthy to be praised.
Having said all this, we (African-Americans) must encourage and make sure our children feel good about themselves. Perhaps, we need to redefine who we LOOK UP to. Perhaps, we should GET UP from being complacent and NEVER GIVE UP on the fact that the road ahead is still paved with struggle. The mistakes we make are apart of a process that will eventually get us to place called, “Equals.”
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