LET'S TALK ABOUT BLACK HISTORY

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Russ: Hello, everyone, and welcome to this Black History Month discussion. First, I want to send my condolences to the family and friends of the great Hank Aaron who passed away recently at 86. Hammering Hank, as he was called, started receiving racist death threats in 1974 during his drive to the home-run record. For example, one threat stated: “My gun is watching your every Black move.”

Patrick: Wow, I didn’t know that. I mean, obviously, I knew he received threats considering he was about to break Babe Ruth’s record. Shoot, Ruth is considered BASEBALL to those focused on the scene they consider the only scene.

Russ: You’re right. And, despite all the drama, Mr. Hank Aaron broke the record with his 715th home run. It was a shot to the left field bullpen at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. He went on to hit 40 more for a total of 755. And, even though he no longer holds that record, he still holds a few others: 2,297 RBIs, 1,477 extra-base hits, and 6,856 total bases.

John: Those are awesome numbers, Russ. Thank you for that. Well, switching gears here to the NFL—the quarterback (QB) position to be more specific. Prior to 1970, just the idea of having a Black NFL QB was unheard of. White owners, easily the majority, didn’t believe Blacks had the same mindset that whites have for that position, especially the thinking portion of the position.

Donald: The amazing thing is that we have so many Blacks in the position now, but we still have the same issues—just not as out-there as before.

John: You’re right. I think about Warren Moon having to go to the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos and even Drew Pearson, a QB in high school, who decided to become a wide receiver because of the lack of quarterback opportunities for Blacks.

Patrick: So, what changed the landscape?

John: Well, I lean on quarterbacks James Harris of the L.A. Rams, Chicago Bears’ Vince Evans, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Doug Williams in answering that. All three were trailblazers in disproving the stereotype that Black men were mentally and strategically unable to be NFL quarterbacks.

Donald: Right on! Shoot, Doug Williams was a bad boy. But, y’all know what? As bad as the NFL’s history is with all this, I love that, today, we have a few really good QBs representing for us. I remember our history—I do—and it hurts to think too long about it. I mean, just think about all of the QBs we DIDN’T get to witness in our time. Black men who perhaps went on to become teachers, construction workers, drug dealers, or even the many who may have given up their dream or goal because of what they saw. It’s sad. It really is.

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