Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Hump Day Comments & Opinions




Let's find this "Groundhog"......and shoot him!

Alright.......enough already. In the deep south, it is the 26th of February, the doggone plum trees are blooming, baseball has begun...............and we had snow flurries this morning! Yes....snow flurries.......Big and thick....... 2 inches in the north Georgia mountains. The predicted lows for tonight and tomorrow night calls for temperatures to be in the mid twenties. Where the heck is this hog known as "Punxsutawney Phil". Even if he saw that darn shadow........it's been over two weeks. We need spring time to arrive........real soon. It's been a long, cold and rainy winter.......We need sunshine.....warmth.......pollen..... Oops, did I say pollen? Well, we still want the sunshine. And the warmth.


Yes.......they're playing.......baseball....

NL Boxscore Georgia vs. Atlanta


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Preview | Matchup | Lineup | Log | Wrap | Box

Today, down in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, the Atlanta Braves played their annual game versus the colleges of Georgia. In alternating years , the Braves square off against the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. Neither Tech nor the Dogs have ever beaten the Braves in the exhibition game that does not count in the pre-season standings. No surprise this year. The Braves sent minor leaguers against a decent Georgia squad and pounded the college pitching for an 8-0 win.


I'm so proud........to be a Jefferson High alumnus........

Back in the '70's...........Both I and "6evoice" were members of our high school wrestling team. We were the trailblazers........We both enjoyed success.....as did our younger brother who wrestled as well. And after lackluster performances in the 80's and 90's ..........the 2000's have seen our school make a historic come back.........check this out:
Jefferson Dragons
Home of Reigning
CLASS A WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONS

TRADITIONAL
* * * BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK TO BACK * * *
*** 2001 *** 2002 *** 2003 *** 2004 *** 2005 *** 2006 *** 2007 *** 2008

The team is coached by Phil Thurmond (He was a freshman during my undefeated senior year). Phil was an average wrestler..........but an awesome teacher. He took over for the legendary coach Jack Keen (who coached me and my two brothers). Phil.........we applaud you............and it's great to be a Jefferson Dragon!

What we're watching tonight..........

American Idol?

College Basketball?

An old movie?

All of the above?

None of the above?


500 hundred channels..........of nothing to watch............thank god for DVD's...... Then again............I'd probably fall asleep anyway.

Happy Hump Day!


Tuesday, February 26, 2008

A Raisin in the Sun?


ABC........movie of the week...."A raisin in the Sun".........

This was a movie produced by and starred in by one Sean Combs......aka......"Puff Daddy, P Diddy".....Take your pick.

I must tell the truth......I did not actually watch it. It was way past my bed time. But my family tells me Sean's performance was "off the chain"........compelling ......deep......

"A Raisin in the Sun" has a history...........Take a look:

Original Broadway Cast

Produced by Philip Rose and David J. Cogan

Written by Lorraine Hansberry

Directed by Lloyd Richards


The original was without mass media....without TV......Then we have:

1961 film

In 1961, a film version of A Raisin in the Sun was released featuring its original Broadway cast of Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil, Diana Sands, Ivan Dixon, Louis Gossett, Jr. and John Fiedler. Hansberry wrote the screenplay, and the film was directed by Daniel Petrie. It was released by Columbia Pictures and Ruby Dee won the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress. Both Poitier and MacNeil were nominated for Golden Globe Awards, and Petrie received a special "Gary Cooper Award" at the Cannes Film Festival. However, the film received no Academy Award nominations.

It was not rated by the MPAA, 128 minutes long, and was filmed in black and white.

Now we have.........

2008 Adaptation

Another made for television film, premiered on February 25, 2008 on ABC. The cast is mostly made up of actors from the 2004 revival, including Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, [[Sanaa Lathan], and John Stamos. It is directed by Kenny Leon.

Sometime this week, I will indeed watch this........I normal don't take too kindly to remakes....but this is an exception. It is so nice to see a young black man remembering his roots. I applaud Sean for making an effort to make a decent and heart warming film.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Weekend Reviews...........



Thoughts........from a fairly decent weekend...

Rain....it happens...
but for Nascar.....Rain is a stoppage of racing. Why? We've all driven in the rain. albeit not
at 200 miles per hour. But ......still....these are supposed professionals. The best drivers in the world. And they can't deal with a little rain? Yesterday's race was postponed till today...until the rains ended. Go figure.


Tiger Woods is all that and more......

Woods demolished his opponent in yesterdays' match play event. Of the events Tiger has chosen to participate in this year.....He is batting 1000. He has won every contest. This is golf......no team mates......just you against the field. And the field is no less than 150 fellow golfers.....Please .......enjoy Tiger...for we have never seen such greatness in our life time.


The 80th annual Academy Awards aired last night.....While there was much debate on what he or she (mostly shes) was wearing.....the fact remained......Did these Academy voters actually w
atch the films? It has become such a long and drawn out process.......the average viewer throws up ones arms and says, "Who cares?"

Tennessee Wins.......In the most hyped game of the NCAA to date....the #2 Tennessee Volunteers beat the #1 Memphis Tigers.....Memphis was done in by their failure to hit free throws.

Headline.....I just don't get: From the AJC:
Bibby's a difference maker

Dah!!!.............The Hawks are sorry.......note to Hawks brass: "Bibby is past his prime.....the Hawks were losers without him.....and will be losers with him"

Finally.......

In a heated Scrabble game this weekend.....I was out pointed by one of our 5 on Five contributers (That Peach ....from Georgia).... put up a good fight though...


Now......That's a Raise!!


Some times.........Good things happen to good people....

Such is
the case of one Ryan Howard.


Ryan James Howard (born November 19, 1979, in St. Louis, Missouri) is a baseball player who plays for the Philadelphia Phillies. Howard was the 2006 National League MVP and the fastest player to reach 100 home runs in Major League Baseball history. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1998 and attended Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University). Howard is six feet, four inches tall and 250 pounds. He bats and throws left-handed.

Howard is a bona fide super star now.......but that has not always been the case. In the 2001 Major League baseball draft, Howard was not selected until the 5th round. He honed his skills in the minor leagues for 3 years until finally being called up to the bigs in September of 2004.

Patience and hard work finally paid off. Howard, who led all major league rookies with 22 home runs, also posted a .288 average and 63 RBI in just 312 at-bats and 88 games. He hit eleven home runs and 27 RBI in September and October. Howard finished his rookie season with 17 doubles, two triples, 52 runs-scored, and 100 strikeouts and 63 Runs Batted In as the Phillies battled the Houston Astros for the National League wild card until getting eliminated on the last day of the season. Howard was rewarded for his effort by being named NL Rookie of the Year, the fourth Phillie to win the award.

2006 - Most Valuable Player

Howard was named The Sporting News 2006 Player of the Year. On October 25, Howard was awarded the 2006 National League Hank Aaron Award.

On November 8, Howard was named by his fellow Major Leaguers as the Player of the Year and the National League Outstanding Position Player in the 2006 Players Choice Awards balloting. He succeeded Atlanta Braves outfielder Andruw Jones, the 2005 winner of both awards. On the same day, following a 5-3 win over Nippon Professional Baseball that capped a five-game international sweep by the MLB in the Major League Baseball Japan All-Star Series, Howard was named the Series MVP; he hit .558 with eight runs, three doubles, four homers and eight RBI. On November 10, Howard was awarded the National League Silver Slugger Award at first-base.

On November 20, he won the National League MVP award, and became only the second player in baseball history to win the Rookie of the Year and MVP awards in successive seasons, joining Cal Ripken Jr. (Fred Lynn and Ichiro Suzuki are the only players to win both awards during the same season).

Still........the Phillies remained the ultimate cheap-skate ........They renewed his 2006 contract to a one year extension.......$900,000. Seems like a lot to you and me........but......you have .220 hitters making millions. You have pitcher with losing records making 4 million a year, with guaranteed contracts. Still, Mr. Howard remained humble........didn't cry out to the media........didn't demand to be traded.......didn't criticize the Philly management staff.....just maintained a low profile and the let the arbitration rulings take place.

The Phillies offered $7 million a year.............Howard put his future into the hands of the arbitrator .........

On February 21, 2008, Howard won an arbitration case against the Phillies, and was awarded $10 million, the most ever for a victorious player.


That is over 10 times his current salary............To put it in a sense that we normal people can understand........consider this....... Say last year you earned $50,000............If you got the same percentage raise Howard got.......This year your salary would be around $600,000! Now that's a raise.......


Some times good things do happen to good people...........




Friday, February 22, 2008

It's Friday.....and We're tired......


TGIF.............


Thank God......it's Friday. Friday can be a Sargent....as in Sargent Friday from Dragnet............It can also be girl friday................Friday , was a film, a movie with Ice-T, Chris Tucker and Bernie Mac.....Friday was also Robinson Crusoe's man servant (my man Friday).


But...........for most of us.........Friday.............is ........the end of a work week. Friday means......the week-end is near. Friday.........means ............payday.....some weekly............some bi-weekly......some....monthly...........but .....still.........you get paid on a Friday!


But .........for now.........Friday.....is just Friday. Another day......some thoughts....


I watched the Democratic debate last night.....Hillary versus Obama.....no clear winner......the Democrats won.


Happy Trails..............Fidel Castro..............may we finally end this 50 year war of words.


J-lo had twins............with a butt her size...........is there any wonder?


I've finished filing my tax return...............have you?


It's cold and raining in the deep south..........but it's snowy and icy in the Northeast. I don't miss that for a New York second.


The UGA diamond dogs (baseball team) is playing the #1 ranked Arizona Wildcats this weekend in a three game series. Yes ......baseball is back.


Even though the calender says it's still February..........the plum trees in our back yard are beginning to bloom................


Finally............ anyone still watching "American Idol"? Wake me when it's over.

Showdown in The River City



Must See.....TV.....

Normally, we don't
get so excited about a college basketball game played in February. We wait until the madness known as March is upon us.

However, come Saturday night at 9 pm, on ESPN, in the River City, on the banks of the great Mississippi, a very meaningful basketball game will be played.

The #1 ranked Memphis University Tigers are hosting the 2nd
ranked Tennessee Volunteers. And we're talking men's basketball....not the 7 time champion Tennessee Lady Vols. Memphis is undefeated (26-0) and looking to go into the NCAA tournament with a perfect record. The 1991 UNLV team, which lost to Duke in the semifinals, was the last team to go into the NCAA tournament undefeated. Tennessee is 24-2 and the pride of a weak Southeastern Conference, losing at Texas and at Kentucky.

The Tigers' regular-season streak is the longest since Indiana's 57 in a row from the 1974-75 season into the 1976-77 season, a winning binge that included the last undefeated season by a men's team, the 32-0 Hoosiers of 1975-76.

Tickets are out of control.

Premium seats are going for upwards of $1,000 apiece. Seats way up high are being sold for more than $400.

That’s more than Final Four seats.

Hype it up........and enjoy the game.








Thursday, February 21, 2008

Candace.......Candace....You go Girl!


I rarely get into Womens' basketball..............but..........

I find myself rather infatuated with one Candace Parker. She of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball team. The 22 year old stands 6' 4" and can dunk. And she is very attractive. And she is very smart.

Ms. Parker has announced she will give up her senior year at the school to pursue her WNBA dream. But........she's only giving up a year of basketball eligibility. Candace will graduate at the end of this season.

After leading the Lady Volunteers to their seventh national championship last season, Parker played with the U.S. national team during her summer break as the team earned its 2008 Olympic bid.

"Candace was ready for the pros two years ago," U.S. team coach Anne Donovan said. "I think it's an exciting day. Tennessee's had her long enough."

Parker also earned the women's 2007 John R. Wooden Award.

A uniquely versatile player, she is mainly a forward, but is listed on Tennessee's roster as a forward, center, and guard.

Candace, whose brother Anthony plays for the NBA's Toronto Raptors, is engaged to NBA player Shelden Williams, currently a member of the Sacramento Kings.


We applaud Candace..........and wish her well.




The Resurrection of the NBA


2008 has been good for the NBA.

But that has not always been the case in the post Michael Jordan years. When his "Airness" finally left the game in 2003, the NBA suffered a major inferiority complex which resulted in a 30% drop in television ratings.

Trying desperately to regain their image, the NBA attached itself to the young and the black. Hip-hop and Rap. Doo-rags and "bling".

White America immediately rejected the league and misguidedly viewed it as a "thug" environment. That view seemed justified on a cold November night in 2004.

The Pacers-Pistons brawl (known as the BasketBrawl) was an altercation that occurred in a game between the Detroit Pistons and Indiana Pacers on November 19, 2004 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. With less than a minute before the game was officially over, the fighting began on the court and then, after a plastic cup with beer was thrown at then Pacer Ron Artest, extended into the stands. It led to serious repercussions for those involved, from both the NBA and legal authorities.

NBA commissioner David Stern had the future of an entire league solely and squarely on his shoulders. How could the league continue to reach the young and the black, without alienating corporate white America? How to you change the perception of the casual fan watching in the mid west or the deep south? 90% of the NBA players are black........There are black coaches, black General Managers........even a black owner. White America.......is just not used to all this "blackness".

So David Stern does what any great CEO of a major corporation does......... He changes the NBA's image.............He goes global..........The NBA signs Yao Ming, and now 800 million Chinese are watching basketball. He institutes a dress code for the players. Gone are the hooded sweatshirts and backward caps. In are "Armani " suits with ties and dress shoes. He enters into a commitment with "Habitats for Humanity" .........and has photo ops of NBA players building houses in post Katrina New Orleans. Suddenly........white America is saying, "Hey, these guys aren't so bad, after all "............

And here we are in 2008................The "Slam Dunk" contest was the most watched ......ever in the history of the contest. The All-star game itself out rated last year's Baseball's NLCS.

The NBA has been unfairly criticized by several talking heads in the media. But ........there is no steroid controversy.............No Mike Vick or Pac-man Jones resides in the NBA.

Just a little....."bling"............a lot of talent.............and a good man running things at the top. It doesn't get much better than this.........but wait...........the play-offs are coming.........

See you then.............

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Hump Day Musings........


My, my............It's Wednesday again??

Has it been 7 days?

Have you looked up at the sky lately? It's a beautiful, bright, full moon.

I don't know about you........but I think the moon is getting bigger......and brighter.

We actually sent a man there?


Five things I learned since last week.........

(1)
The Daytona 500 is still Nascar's "Super Bowl"........thrilling race........Dodge, Dodge, Toyota, Toyota.

(2) The Atlanta Hawks are always a day late......and a dollar short. Bibby is way past his prime.

(3) Roger Clemons is still a liar..........and a cheat.

(4) I think "Norbit" was a good movie.

(5) Put me on the "Obama" bandwagon..............He moves.........people.

Been a rough week..........but..........I'm off this weekend............so be prepared for some interesting posts.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

NBA Sprite Slam Dunk Contest 2008 Recap

In case you missed it........

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Hump Day Thoughts.........








This is Black History Month........















'Lest we forget.....Click on image to enlarge. Hard to believe this sort of thing happened in our country less than 200 years ago. When ever you might be a little down .....and feeling some self-pity......read the poster below. You really don't have it so bad....now do you?









Believe it or not.......









The Atlanta Hawks (losers of 3 in a row and 6 out of their last 10) are still holding on to that eighth spot in the NBA's Eastern conference playoff run. At 21-27, the Hawks are trying to keep Philadelphia and Indiana at arms lenght. Last night, Atlanta fell behind early against the Central Division leading Detroit Pistons, came through with a hugh third quarter, only to fade in the final 2 minutes before losing 94-90. Such is the state of the Hawks. This city is so starved for a winner....There were 18,729 at last night's game. ( Philips Arena only seats 18'227). Of course at least half of them were Piston fans.




This season, we've seen the Boston Celtics wheel and deal themselves to the best record in the NBA. The New Orleans Hornets lead their division. The Lakers are improved.....while Dertoit, Dallas, Utah and the likes hold firm.

But the Hawks have done nothing..... via trade, draft or free agent signing to improve the team. And thus we get a mediocre team playing average basketball .....with a packed house....rooting for the other team.




Don't watch that much Women's college basketball .....but I did catch the final minute of the Rutgers - Tennessee game. In a blatant clock malfunction, Rutgers was beaten by Tennessee when a foul was called with 0.02 seconds left on the game clock. The Lady Vols trailed by one point , made the 2 free throws to win the game. Problem is .....the clocked ticked down to 0.02 .....but got stuck on 0.02......for at least 2 full seconds! Had to feel bad for Vivian Stringers' team. First Imus.......then this? Just a guess....but I have a feeling this hurt a lot worse than the words a 60 year old white man.



Sunday, February 10, 2008

HBO........says......no...no.....No!


In a move that stunned not only the true blue professional football fan......but also the casual viewers of HBO........The Home Box Office channel abruptly canceled "Inside the NFL".

The show ran for 31 years and provided us 60 minutes of commercial free high lights and in depth insight with interviews and human interest stories.

We all have grown up enough to realize ........change.......no matter how small......is ......inevitable. However.........I've always had the mindset ......that ........if it ain't broke........then .......don't fix it.

HBO has long been a pioneer in first run movies, boxing, tennis and politics. It has been reported that this was not a financially motivated decision (HBO doesn't collect any advertising revenue). The move was made because the industry has evolved.........

Believe this...........It is about money........Canceling the show means HBO absolves itself of paying salaries to Bob Costas, Dan Marino, Chris Collingsworth, Chris Carter and Peter King. Not to mention the production and studio costs.

The NFL owns the video footage the show aired.............My guess is that since the NFL also owns the DirecTV NFL Network.........."Inside the NFL" will re-emerge .............probably with different hosts and announcers.........on.........yes........ the NFL Network.

Here's what others are reporting..........

HBO sacks the wrong show

HBO pulls the plug on 'Inside the NFL'

Collinsworth surprised by axe

The long run is over for ‘Inside the NFL


Obviously......this is not the end of the world............but.........why.....why take something good and wholesome.......something pleasing.....something watchable....something worthwhile.........off the air. I sometimes think.....the powers that be.........simply out think themselves......



Saturday, February 9, 2008

Happy Trails...........NFL


Another season..............
This year the NFL brought us the usual suspects.......the lovable losers...........and the invincible machine known as the New England Patriots.


We had the Miami Dolphins (once a proud franchise) reduced to winning only 1 game. Then there was the (Michael Vick-less) Atlanta Falcons who showed their true feathers..........
There was "Spy-gate"............(who really gives a darn)......Tony Romo and "that broad".......Donovan McNabb and the Philly Media...........Brett Farve and the "FOX" love affair.
Coaches got fired..............coaches quit............a couple left in the dark of the night ( see Bobby Petrino)..........


Warren Sapp retired...........Pac Man Jones is still frequenting topless bars.......and Terrell Owens still doesn't get it.


The Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and the Washington Redskins will all have new head coaches for the 2008 season.
Hey ...............NFL............it's been a blast............see you in August....


Monday, February 4, 2008

The Super Ending......I did not see...........


New York 17, New England 14.............

Super Bowl XLII...... a game for the century. The greatest game ever played. The best Super Bowl ever. Or was it?

I caught a little pre-game activities (Alicia Keyes was great). The American Idol chick did a decent job on the National Anthem........I even thought Tom Petty put on a rather juicy half time performance.

I saw just about all the commercials.........( the Bud Lite spots again ruled)....and those animals dancing to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" was pretty cool...

But .....as for the game itself.........after 3 quarters, the score was 7-3. Hardly the offensive shoot-out predicted by so many sports geeks.

For 3 quarters the game drug along in a defensive struggle. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, my tired eyes were getting just a little bit heavy.

It might have been during a commercial.......or between a play.......I honestly can't remember.........

But ......yes I fell asleep..........by the time I woke up........FOX was doing their post game interviews. New York had won on a last second touchdown drive which produced (so I've heard) the greatest throw and catch in Super Bowl history.

Thanks to ESPN and the Football Network, I have had a chance to see that play no less than a dozen times. But .......I missed it .......live!

In a game watched by more people ever in the history of the NFL........your fearless leader of 5 on Five missed the final minutes.......Makes a grown man want to cry......

The Super Ending........I did not see.



Sunday, February 3, 2008

Super Sunday Headlines

For your viewing pleasure.........Headlines from around the nation......

Enjoy.....and hope for a great game...
















Friday, February 1, 2008

Extra Large.......part 2


Super Bowl XLII ..............

Wow........has it been 41 years? Sundays game between the New England Patriots and the New York (football) Giants will be the 42nd Super Bowl played.

Let's see.......a little quick math says I was a mere 10 years old when the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the initial championship between the old NFL and the up and coming AFL. That game was televised by both NBC (AFL) and CBS (NFL).......and was not even a sell out. The half time show featured a collection of college marching bands.

In my 50 plus years, I have seen all 41 Super Bowls.....though not all in their entirety. Most years I have camped out in the humble abode of my living room. A few times I have either hosted or been invited to a "Super Bowl Party" If I had my druthers........camping out at home is the place to be.

One year......I think it was the late 80's or early nineties, I was living in upstate New York and was invited to one of my co-workers' party. The Party and the drinking started at around 2 pm........ The game didn't kick off until after 5, so by that time all of us were passed out drunk and didn't wake up until the third quarter.

Had to read about the game in the next days newspapers......

Hosting a "Super Bowl" party isn't much fun either.........there's always the female who knows absolutely nothing about the NFL, much less football......the guy who swears he could have played in the NFL (if only he didn't have a bum knee), the obnoxious fan of the underdog team who keeps shouting, "They're cheatin' on us!"

And then there is the food...........Now, I was always taught that when hosting anything.......you were not to feed the world......a few hors d'oeuvres , some appetizers......that's it. Some people just don't get it. They want a full course meal. I'm easy.......a few hot wings.......chips......I'm happy.

Alas............the commercials...........

Used to be ......when the commercials came on ......that was when everyone took a bathroom break. Now, the 60 second ads are the talk of the office for weeks after. There is even a web site that ranks the most effective spots.

Well......after 41 years of watching these games.........I have come to but one conclusion.........Let it be close.........let it be fun.........and let it be interesting.......

Okay...........three conclusions.........but who's counting.........

Blacks, Whites and Hispanics........


Some Friday afternoon humor.................

Truths Black and Hispanic people know but White people won't admit

1. Elvis is dead.
2. Jesus was not white.
3. Rap music is here to stay.
4. Kissing your pet is not cute or clean.
5. Skinny does not equal sexy.
6. Thomas Jefferson had black children.
7. A 5 year old is too big for a stroller.
8. N'SYNC will never hold a candle to the Jackson 5.
9. An occasional BUTT whooping helps a child stay in line.
10. Having your children curse you out in public is not normal.

10 Truths White and Black People know but Hispanic people wont admit

1. Hickeys are not attractive.
2. Chicken is food not a pet or a roommate.
3. Jesus is not a name for your son.
4. Your country flag is not a car decoration.
5. Maria is a name but not for every daughter.
6. 10 people to a car is considered too many.
7. 'Jump out and run' is not in any insurance policies.
8. Buttoning just the top button of your shirt is a bad fashion statement.
9. Mami & Papi can't possibly be the nickname of every person in your
family.
10. Letting your children run wildly through the store is not normal.


10 Truths white and Hispanic people know but Black people won't admit

1. O.J. did it.
2. Tupac is dead.
3. Teeth shouldn't be decorated.
4. Weddings should start on time.
5. Your pastor doesn't know everything .
6. Jesse Jackson will never be President.
7. Red is not a Kool Aid flavor, it's a color.
8. Church does not require expensive clothes.
9. Crown Royal bags are meant to be thrown away.
10. Your rims and sound system should not be worth more than your car.


Black..........and Proud of it!!!!



As we embark on another Black History Month, let us pause to ponder a few little known facts..........

Brought to you by our friends at "infoplease.com" ........

African-American Firsts: Sports

  • Major league baseball player: Jackie Robinson, 1947, Brooklyn Dodgers.
  • Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame: Jackie Robinson, 1962.
  • NFL quarterback: Willie Thrower, 1953.
  • NFL football coach: Fritz Pollard, 1922–1937.
  • Golf champion: Tiger Woods, 1997, won the Masters golf tournament.
  • NHL hockey player: Willie O'Ree, 1958, Boston Bruins.1
  • Tennis champion: Althea Gibson became the first black person to play in and win Wimbledon and the United States national tennis championship. She won both tournaments twice, in 1957 and 1958. In all, Gibson won 56 tournaments, including five Grand Slam singles events. The first black male champion was Arthur Ashe who won the 1968 U.S. Open, the 1970 Australian Open, and the 1975 Wimbledon championship.
  • Heavyweight boxing champion: Jack Johnson, 1908.
  • Olympic medalist (Summer games): George Poage, 1904, won two bronze medals in the 200 m hurdles and 400 m hurdles.
  • Olympic gold medalist (Summer games): John Baxter "Doc" Taylor, 1908, won a gold medal as part of the 4 x 400 m relay team.
  • Olympic gold medalist (Summer games; individual): DeHart Hubbard, 1924, for the long jump; the first woman was Alice Coachman, who won the high jump in 1948.
  • Olympic medalist (Winter games): Debi Thomas, 1988, won the bronze in figure skating.
  • Olympic gold medalist (Winter games): Vonetta Flowers, 2002, bobsled.
  • Olympic gold medalist (Winter games; individual): Shani Davis, 2006, 1,000 m speedskating.

Other African-American Firsts

  • Millionaire: Madame C. J. Walker.
  • Billionaire: Robert Johnson, 2001, owner of Black Entertainment Television; Oprah Winfrey, 2003.
  • Portrayal on a postage stamp: Booker T. Washington, 1940 (and also 1956).
  • Miss America: Vanessa Williams, 1984, representing New York. When controversial photos surfaced and Williams resigned, Suzette Charles, the runner-up and also an African American, assumed the title. She represented New Jersey. Three additional African Americans have been Miss Americas: Debbye Turner (1990), Marjorie Vincent (1991), and Kimberly Aiken (1994).
  • Explorer, North Pole: Matthew A. Henson, 1909, accompanied Robert E. Peary on the first successful U.S. expedition to the North Pole.
  • Explorer, South Pole: George Gibbs, 1939–1941 accompanied Richard Byrd.
  • Flight around the world: Barrington Irving, 2007, from Miami Gardens, Florida, flew a Columbia 400 plane named Inspiration around the world in 96 days, 150 hours (March 23-June 27).
During the month of February we will bring you little know black facts.............It's just a shame a month has to be specified as "Black History Month" just to give the general public information that should be taught daily in our school systems.

Growing up .......blacks learned who "Daniel Boone" was..........Christopher Columbus, Ponce De Leon...........etc. What we were not taught were the feats of
John Mercer Langston, Joseph Rainey, and Edward Brooke.

These were three great Black Americans .....but somehow, someway were kept out of the history books we were schooled on.................... Stay tuned..............