Memories of a trip gone bad... The African American Athlete!

...Memories of a trip gone bad continues to haunt me. Newfound land, newfound people, I am now a part of this newfound system.

   ..."I tried to run and get away. I ran and jumped and did everything I could do physically to get away, but it was never enough, I would always get recaptured. I could never seem to outrun "the man". I could never find my way to where I thought I was supposed to be, and I would always end up, right back where I started, again looking for a way out"...

   These thoughts never go away, even though obviously, they are memories that are not of my own experiences, so I know they are cries from the spirit --- cries of my tribesmen still in search of their freedom. The spirits of my people are searching for their way home, refusing to be silenced, still trying to come forth.

   In these United States of America, people of African Descent are recognized more often than not, for their physical abilities as a people. There is no genuine interest in the advancement of their mental capacities as a people. 

   The guidelines have already been set for what is acceptable, and for what is not. We have learned that the physical abilities of my people will advance them individually quicker, than mentally trying to include all of their people in their advancement. The running and jumping for survival have turned into running and jumping for a price, and for entertainment.

   Now, don't get me wrong, athletics are a great part of this newfound Africans history in this newfound land. Without it, the acknowledgment and advancement of these newfound athletes would have been much slower, but the time has long passed to be more than just a great athlete (entertainer). 

   That's become too easy for these newfound Africans, we are so much more mentally, then we can ever hope to be physically. 

   My tribe scarcely exists within this history, as scarcely as the original tribes (Native Americans) that were already here. 

   Moral sins and religious laws are not in question when the answers of why the history of this land is written with red blood, instead of black or blue ink. Instead, looking at history, it would seem that many who have tried to question that red blood have been left black and blue. Or history... Or to keep it simple... dead!

   History! It is what makes each race inherently different. The difference in mannerisms that need individual, as well as independent study of material that separates one race from another, as a group. 

   If the methods of advancing as a people in this country are plagued with trap doors and double standards, then it would only seem obvious that the path we as a "People" of color, of African Descent must follow, has yet to be paved.

   You see, with the greatest athletes of any era, if the time had been taken to explore the thoughts of these many great athletes, then the visions of a people may have been better understood by now. 

   The learning of "the game", the understanding of how "the game" is played, and the overall application of thought to "the game" is simple for these newfound Africans. These newfound Africans can discuss "the game" at many levels, in great depths of understanding.

   Individually, some of these newfound athletes are doing great things, physically as well as mentally. But mentally, many of these newfound Africans concentrate as a people on things that do not generate mental, spiritual, or economic growth within their own communities. 

   Many things are had individually, but as a people, these newfound Africans have nothing of substance. These newfound Africans came with nothing but themselves. Now as time has gone away, so too has the memory and importance of this simple fact.

   The levels of conversation with these great athletes are based around what is seen when they are or were entertaining. A once great player will stop playing and begin talking about the next "young gun", and by the way seems to be getting younger every day. 

   How hard is it to convince a child of anything? Which is why, I think you see such an influx of (young) "People" in trouble with the law.

   When you have the "Great" old athlete giving insightful thoughts and in-depth analysis of that young player's potential, now the groundwork has been set. 

The "young" athlete now has expectations to live up to.

    After all, these days these newfound Africans are being compensated very well to run and jump, giving these young guns plenty of reason to continue running and jumping as time continues to move on. 

   Creating the cycle for the next generation of young thinkers to spin their wheels aimlessly on nothing.

   If the body could be measured by the capabilities of the mind, then the possibilities of what could be or what should be become endless. 

   Have you ever wondered why as soon as the potential of a young newfound African body is seen, generally the only place it is geared towards is wherever the body can be put on display? 

   The mind is shut down from the development of the mind beyond staying eligible to play. The regression of the mind begins to take place, and soon you have an individual whose field of dreams are limited to just hardwood floors, dirt and grass.

   This is one of many things we have been reduced to, great athletes. Still being owned for the right price. Put on display for the entertainment of those who can afford the price of admission. Still under the bright lights and the watchful eyes of the overseer. 

   Given the opportunity to have that acre and a mule, given yet another opportunity to adapt to an environment that has no remnants for an African People of what should be, or what should have been long before now.

   The co-existence of multi-races throughout this country was inevitable. It just did not have to come about in this land the way it did, so now, from here is where we must move forward...

   This is "The Black Pearl Poet" and to you young great athletes, and to you once great people:

  Do not forget the road for which you have traveled.
If you do not know the road for which you have traveled, you must learn.

   For it may be the only way back to what you once had, and for what you are intended to have as a "People"!

   My "Sun" is setting on this day, and a good day it has been.

   I must give thanks and praises to my God. May God be with you. May God be with me. May God be with us all.

 Peace!

                                                                             Written by: Sherman Shepherd