Michael Vick | Sports Issue 2018

countless other works recapturing this moment are scattered
throughout this country’s black communities. 50 years later,
this silent protest during the National Anthem proved itself
to be iconic in this generation, with many black athletes engaging
in various forms of silent protest during the anthem;
most notably, taking a knee; spearheaded by former 49er
quarterback, Colin Kaepernick. Sadly, and all too true to its
original narrative, we find Kaepernick in an all to a familiar
position, hated by his country, NFL career over, on the receiving
end of countless death threats, but celebrated by his
people. Black gold is thrown aside for using its mind. Never
mind speaking it. Gold is precious because it never tarnishes
but when you’re black gold that only means things never really
change.
What then, is there to be celebrated about gold that’s called
black?
Aside from their contributions to the American socio-political
landscape, black athletes have been major contributors
to the wider American culture through business and in fields
such as fashion, but also through their action both on and
off the field. Michael Jordan’s ability to score a point almost
seems to be an afterthought to his display of pure athletic ability.
Why just dribble and shoot, when you can jump, spin and
— dunk? Actually, make it what you want. Because it hasn’t
been forgotten — that to you, we’re black gold; a coin, but I
see the way that you spend me when I spin — swing, dribble,
dunk — weaving, innovative styles of journalism into a point
that I am expected to score. Isn’t that what black gold is for?
Jordan Alley-ooped seeds of greatness shaped as basketballs
into minds of future black children, because regardless of
color, what kid in the 90’s didn’t wanna be like Mike? — A
Black Man. Call him what you want, he had millions copin’
the Jordan Sole, and you wonder why in 2018 everyone has
so much soul, Michael Jordan — Black, MO-GUL, planted inspirational
seeds for the future, Black Gold.
The Late Great Muhammad Ali was known not only for protest
and controversy but also for his charismatic personality
and charm. He had a way with words and offered many jewels
to the American lexicon; he masterfully summed up his
brute abilities in his memorable saying: “Float like a butterfly,
sting like a bee, Rumble, young man, Rumble”.Who else
could so gracefully describe knocking you out? He without
a doubt inspired a future generation of black lyricist to spit
and flow, leading to a future where Hip-Hop is King and a
globe that has embraced its swag and lingo. In the same interview,
he braggadociously boasted, “I’m the savior of the
whole game! Every day I’m in the newspapers! ya gettin tired
of readin ‘bout me… I’m a biiig man!” — One of the more
irritable qualities of black gold is that it can’t help its shine.
Its reflected light can prove blinding to some, so it’s understandable
why they hate it. Ironically, this wouldn’t be so if
they would just stop staring. Black gold, called so because all
you can see is our shadow as you follow us through aisles of
distrust; trending.
Black twitter trends with the actions of black athletes. Today,
they are using their voices by continuing to speak up and out,
shouting from their platforms, on sports shows, athletic ceremonies
and games, shedding light on inequity the historic
and continued injustices in their communities. You cannot
just use their black bodies and reject their voices. In 2018,
it seems like there has never been a more exciting time to be
black, with much thanks to black athletes.
Black gold is controversial because it refuses to do what it’s
been told. It breaks the mold and uses the very platform that
its owners designed for it to be auctioned and sold, to shout
truth to the world, — they shine. Black gold, to be seen and
not heard, worn and adorn but if it ever shines, it’s scorned,
critiqued and punished, — sold. Black Gold, mistaken for
powerless because scattered bricks of gold produce very little
shine, but when combined they build a road that’s sure to
blind #theblackdollar. Black gold, a prized jewel collected
for its qualities and simultaneously hated for its shines. An
ungrateful symbol is dissatisfied with its place upon the kings
head. This crown speaks volumes and now elevated by this
powerful dome, its message is heard. Heated, beaten and
crafted into the crown that you see. Even in silence, it speaks.
Our shine is involuntary so, who are you to call it bold, or
“ thankless pieces of black gold”, “On America’s pedestal;
prized, and this what you show?”
The haughtiness of our shine offends, but sets
trends, Ungrateful? Hell no. Black athletes
elevated on stages meant for their ornamental
display, uttering sounds of defiance,
sends their buyers into a rage. Especially
today. Be it a raised fist or a
humble knee, or the way we float
like a butterfly and sting like
bee, Once MJ had his ball
there was no telling what
he was going to do with
it, only that he would
score. Black gold,
Statement pieces that
can’t speak, The silent
truths they reveal were never
supposed to be told. Black
gold, self-defining, resilient,
tried and true. Defiantly shing on
raised platforms, given to us— by you.