Intellect
Determination
Desire
Power
Respect
"Too black, too strong..."
Malcolm X
The Games of the XXIX Olympiad began and ended in an extreme fashion, and with the men's national basketball team vying for gold against Espana at 2:30 this morning, I couldn't ask for more than the familiar tune from Francis Scott Key.
I love sports, as I have figured out a way to make a career from it without playing in the actual games. I do participate, as a working member of the media, however I use my talents on the MacBook, instead of the field, and court...that is of course when I’m not playing basketball.
I’ve enjoyed the holy game since 1988, as it not only provides clarity...it also saved my life numerous times, but before I count the ways, I have to give all the glory, and honor, to the savior Jesus, and my mother, who raised me in faith, and love. I’m a West Philadelphia born, not raised journalist that witnessed enough peril to last a few lifetimes, and the dream of playing professional basketball was enough to keep me from becoming a number within the system or county morgue. It paints a bleak and morbid picture, however I always try to look at the bright side and with true optimism my environment is something that I have endured, as I have learned to navigate through it, instead of abiding along with it.
Jemele Hill wrote earlier this week on ESPN Page 2, how important the gold for the Redeem Team is to the black community. She is correct in her assessment; however I cannot speak for everyone, so this is from me to you. The first sport I ever played was futbol, but once I stepped in between the lines of the basketball court, it was marriage. The game is intoxicating, forever altering my mind, body, and consciousness to the point of dependency. Survival without it is mind boggling.
“Rather be judged by 12, than carried by 6...”
Ice Cube – Steady Mobbin’
The 12-member team representing the United States of America, not only won the gold and title of the Olympic best, but they also gave the world a vision in black. They lived up to their nickname as the Redeem Team, however what they redeemed is more in the lives of black people in America past, present, and future, not necessarily USA Basketball.
The Souls of Black Folk has a new chapter due to the efforts Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince and Michael Redd.
I don’t go out much, as the nightlife doesn’t appeal to me too tough, unless it’s an industry event or party for a relative or close friend. However with the gold medal game beginning at 2:30am EST, I figured I would head out, paint Philadelphia red, drive home, and be wide awake to watch the game I’ve been waiting 8 years for.
My first mistake was leaving my car home, as my homeboy Carlos picked me up in a stark white 2009 Lexus ES 330. I’m not even into cars like that, but the allure of knowing that I was going to drive back as the designated driver was enough to convolute my thinking.
1:37am – I receive an email via my blackberry from my girl Daisha in Japan.
“The GAME is coming on I know your up!”
1:45am – The DJ begins to wind the party down (Its Philly, everything closes early), and I respond to her email: “Yes I’m up. If you can believe it, I’m up in the club at this Temple [University] black alumni event. I will be home in time to see that gold medal that Kobe is going to get.”
1:53am – “how is the event?”
2:08am – “It’s good, you know this is Philly so its over. I’m about to race home to watch the game.”
2:18am – “be careful driving! It didn’t start yet!”
About 2:34am, Carlos, and my alumni friends that I haven’t seen in a while decided to go to the 24-hour Diner on 39th and Walnut. I didn’t drive so I had to follow them to not only miss the game, but to also eat at that hour in the morning.
2:43am – “u home?”
2:48am –“No, my ride...Carlos, wanted to get something to eat. How am I supposed to eat at 3am? I’m not a happy camper. I’m in a diner and I’m missing the game of my sports career. Pray for me mama. There is nothing I can do.”
3:11am – “Japan isn’t showing the game!”
3:13am – “Dag, we’re both missing it.”
3:49am – “91-80 US up with 2 sec in 3rd”
That last email was received as I unlocked the car. From there I knew that I had just enough time to drive home at a decent pace without the state troopers taking a second look. So I could get in front of my television to watch Kobe’s 4-point play, as he silenced the raucous international crowd, en route to a 118-107 gold medal earning win.
“Black is back all in, we’re gonna win...”
Chuck D – Bring the Noise
I’ve enjoyed the holy game since 1988, as it not only provides clarity...it also saved my life numerous times, but before I count the ways, I have to give all the glory, and honor, to the savior Jesus, and my mother, who raised me in faith, and love. I’m a West Philadelphia born, not raised journalist that witnessed enough peril to last a few lifetimes, and the dream of playing professional basketball was enough to keep me from becoming a number within the system or county morgue. It paints a bleak and morbid picture, however I always try to look at the bright side and with true optimism my environment is something that I have endured, as I have learned to navigate through it, instead of abiding along with it.
Jemele Hill wrote earlier this week on ESPN Page 2, how important the gold for the Redeem Team is to the black community. She is correct in her assessment; however I cannot speak for everyone, so this is from me to you. The first sport I ever played was futbol, but once I stepped in between the lines of the basketball court, it was marriage. The game is intoxicating, forever altering my mind, body, and consciousness to the point of dependency. Survival without it is mind boggling.
“Rather be judged by 12, than carried by 6...”
Ice Cube – Steady Mobbin’
The 12-member team representing the United States of America, not only won the gold and title of the Olympic best, but they also gave the world a vision in black. They lived up to their nickname as the Redeem Team, however what they redeemed is more in the lives of black people in America past, present, and future, not necessarily USA Basketball.
The Souls of Black Folk has a new chapter due to the efforts Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Kidd, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Tayshaun Prince and Michael Redd.
I don’t go out much, as the nightlife doesn’t appeal to me too tough, unless it’s an industry event or party for a relative or close friend. However with the gold medal game beginning at 2:30am EST, I figured I would head out, paint Philadelphia red, drive home, and be wide awake to watch the game I’ve been waiting 8 years for.
My first mistake was leaving my car home, as my homeboy Carlos picked me up in a stark white 2009 Lexus ES 330. I’m not even into cars like that, but the allure of knowing that I was going to drive back as the designated driver was enough to convolute my thinking.
1:37am – I receive an email via my blackberry from my girl Daisha in Japan.
“The GAME is coming on I know your up!”
1:45am – The DJ begins to wind the party down (Its Philly, everything closes early), and I respond to her email: “Yes I’m up. If you can believe it, I’m up in the club at this Temple [University] black alumni event. I will be home in time to see that gold medal that Kobe is going to get.”
1:53am – “how is the event?”
2:08am – “It’s good, you know this is Philly so its over. I’m about to race home to watch the game.”
2:18am – “be careful driving! It didn’t start yet!”
About 2:34am, Carlos, and my alumni friends that I haven’t seen in a while decided to go to the 24-hour Diner on 39th and Walnut. I didn’t drive so I had to follow them to not only miss the game, but to also eat at that hour in the morning.
2:43am – “u home?”
2:48am –“No, my ride...Carlos, wanted to get something to eat. How am I supposed to eat at 3am? I’m not a happy camper. I’m in a diner and I’m missing the game of my sports career. Pray for me mama. There is nothing I can do.”
3:11am – “Japan isn’t showing the game!”
3:13am – “Dag, we’re both missing it.”
3:49am – “91-80 US up with 2 sec in 3rd”
That last email was received as I unlocked the car. From there I knew that I had just enough time to drive home at a decent pace without the state troopers taking a second look. So I could get in front of my television to watch Kobe’s 4-point play, as he silenced the raucous international crowd, en route to a 118-107 gold medal earning win.
“Black is back all in, we’re gonna win...”
Chuck D – Bring the Noise
Watching the team take their place on the podium as the best of the best reminded me that this was for Muhammad Ali in 1960, John Carlos, Tommie Smith, and Lew Alcindor in 1968, and the millions of black people in the Americas...this one was for all the marbles, win, lose, or draw. Nevertheless, this team had a mission and while the mainstream media had their doubts up until the final second, I had all the confidence in the team, which restored order, pride, and hope for today, and tomorrow.
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