The Dream is Still Alive
Categories: African-American, Sports
Written By: Shawn Williams
After this weekend in the NFL Playoffs, my dream of a Colts/Bears Super Bowl is still intact. Growing up, I learned from my parents to always root for the black quarterback, no matter who he is playing against. Back then there were no black coaches to cheer for.
But black head football coaches have found a high level of success since Art Shell earned (I almost said was given) the opportunity to be the NFL's first black head coach. Lovie Smith and Tony Dungy have a chance to make history next week when their teams play for the NFC and AFC Championships respectively.
On the weekend that we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King's birth, seeing these great coaches lead their teams one step closer to the Super Bowl had even more meaning. And as is the case in most areas in life, the fate of other black coaching prospects are directly tied to the success of Dungy and Smith
So next week black men and women who have never had an interest in the Bears or Colts, will find themselves directing positive energy towards Chicago and Indianapolis. I'll be on my couch doing the same thing, waiting for my dream to come true.
January 16th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
WHO DAT!!!! I understand about supporting the black head coaches, but I must also say lets support THE SAINTS!!!!! I was born and raised in New Orleans and I am so proud to see the Saints this far. Regardless of all that has happened, I feel that this will brighten spirits at least for one day. Also, I love the blog.
January 17th, 2007 at 2:55 am
Gina I have to admit, I found myself rooting for New Orleans often this season. They have a fun style, and so many of the guys on that team are players (and coaches) the Cowboys didn’t want. But maybe the clock is about to strike midnight on Cinderella.
January 18th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
I loved the article about the Colts and the Bears it made a real connection to Black history and the love of football, so keep black history alive.
January 21st, 2007 at 7:08 pm
I will watch and most definitely root for the black coach..we are about to make history here with a win and on to the super bowl ! Then I will tell my “grandson” to dream bigger dreams…………
January 24th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Super Bowl 40 Summary "A Moment When Black Men Succeed" Having 2 black coaches in the NFL and how it was a great acomplishment for all African-Americans sports fans and non-sports fans. Two African-American coaches we finally get a chance to make sports history. The chance to play in "Super Bowl 40" it comes down to two, who will win? The way I responded to this story was by thinking and staying positive because if they can achieve a goal of so much majesty, then so can I. The way I would do that is by staying positive through out all adversity.
By William Hollins