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Melanistic Magazine Vol. 1
February is Black History Month
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The line defined the trigger for my growing appreciation of ‘Black History Month’. Having been raised in a predominantly Black society, I had not previously encountered such an urge to have ‘my history’ clearly defined and celebrated, until readjusting to life as a minority.
The month of February presents an open invitation to share the stories of pioneers and milestones within the Black community that have affected society as a whole. These accounts are retold through various art forms and educational forums throughout Edmonton allowing you to select your best-fit for engagement.
Black History reaches beyond stories of Harriet Tubman or the establishment of Africville and each narrative weaves into our current affairs in ways that often escape us. The very existence of such an eclectic, melanin-rich diaspora in Alberta is an extension of a tapestry – stories of successes, struggles and roads-less-travelled. How does each story connect? Who are the unsung heroes within your community that have created paths of access and set standards of excellence? How far can you delve into tracing your own story?
This Black History Month I dare you to explore!
BLACK PEOPLE IN HISTORY: Warren Moon
Warren Moon
Before the rise of names such as Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson and Russell Wilson, there was one individual who broke the mold and a mind-boggling stereotype in football at the time; that player was the Eskimos’ Warren Moon.
Many football fans are familiar with the legacy of Warren Moon, NFL Hall of Famer and at the time of his retirement, the holder of several alltime records. Though his run in the NFL was phenomenal, this black history month we cannot forget where it all started - right here in Edmonton, with our beloved Eskimos.
In the late 1970’s the NFL took the stance that black players simply lacked skill, intellect and awareness needed to play quarterback. The Edmonton Eskimos and the CFL had no such issues and in 1978 fresh of a Pac 8 Title, Rose Bowl win and MVP college season, Warren Moon found himself in Edmonton and on his way to leading one of most dominant dynasties in all North American sports. Five consecutive Grey Cups in six seasons, paving the way for football as we know it today.
Warren Moon
“It just shows a lot about the Canadian Football League and the Canadian people. They are just looking for people who are doing the best jobs and that’s all they look at.’’ – Warren Moon
By: gregory davis
Images courtesty of esks.com
