Monday, August 11, 2008

The Black Man in the Pool


Now I know I should be the last person to be jumping up and down pointing at the TV screen yelling, "There's a black man on the team!" when the Americans won the 4X100 freestyle relay this past weekend in Beijing. But there I was. A former competitive swimmer myself who always hated it when all those folks in Wisconsin would watch my swim races in shock and awe.

Maybe it's because I grew up as one of a scant few colored swimmers in Milwaukee with even fewer professional swimmers to emulate, but I am thrilled for Cullen Jones and his superfast self! But more importantly, I'm giving thanks for the next generation of Black, brown and "Other" swimmers who have somebody who looks like them, going for gold in the water. Not that I have anything against Michael Phelps, but come on, how about some love for brother man.

Peace.

3 comments:

Mango Mama said...

Girl, I'm with you. I was hooping and hollering myself. I even made my kids watch him/

Professor Tharps said...

Hey Mango Mama,

So good to know I'm not the only one!

Carleen Brice said...

Hadn't heard a peep about him until now. What a surprise. :)

Thanks for the comment on my blog, and I hope you continue to take good care of yourself.