Essential The Big Thread of Black Excellence

[Patriarch]

 

[havoc]

I am proud of our successful people, and I also proud to see members of the-coli that are intelligent and progressive. I love the the-coli

 

[The Message]

Ishmael Reed -Novelist, poet, professor, cartoonist, musician, pulitzer prize nominee, essayist, activist, playwright, satirist, etc

 

[Jamal514]

I know most of ya'll don't care about hockey, but former NBA player Popeye Jones' son is gonna be a big star and has a chance to be the first black player in NHL history to be drafted first overall(whenever the lockout ends).

Seth Jones embraces chance to be first black player to be NHL’s No. 1 pick
Seth Jones embraces chance to be first black player to be NHL

It is illuminating to hear what the Portland Winterhawks' Seth Jones thinks about likely being the highest-drafted black player in NHL history.

The colour of a player's skin might not garner comment in the workaday reality of major junior hockey, especially when people are trying to be sensitive. Hockey is also, at long last, starting to resemble the general population of North America, where black, brown and Asian players are no longer novel although still rare. But Jon-Paul Morosi went into the topic — if Seth Jones becomes the first black player selected first overall, what would it mean — it was a compelling read.

Jones, 18, is considered the Western Hockey League's best NHL draft prospect. It was noteworthy that Jones told Morosi he has "never really been into the whole race thing" but accepts the mantle that's been placed upon him by, well, society and the sports media.

From Morosi:

Even if he isn't the No. 1 pick, Jones is likely to surpass Evander Kane (fourth overall, 2009) as the highest-picked black player selected in the NHL Draft. To the extent that any 18-year-old could, Jones has an appreciation for the responsibility — and opportunity — that would come with that status.

"I grew up with a white mom and a black dad, and I've never really been into the whole race thing," Jones said in a recent interview. "But hearing that — that's awesome. That's a privilege and an honor. I know African Americans don't play hockey too much. Maybe this would get a couple more kids into it here and there.

"I grew up in a family where race didn't matter, but that would be a great thing. That'd be awesome, for me to be that guy who little kids say, 'If he can do it, I can do it.' That's an honor, to be honest with you." (FOX Sports)

That is the argument, if one family takes up hockey who would otherwise not have after seeing Seth Jones does it, then it would be worth it. At the same time, it should not be overlooked that's not how he necessarily sees himself.

It is about having people who blaze a trail. Maybe it's a straight-line view but would a Buffalo Sabres prospect Kevin Sundher, who is of South Asian descent, have played if not for previous Indian players such as Robin Bawa, Ajay Baines and Manny Malhotra? Reaching back about 35 years, would Tony McKegney, who was one of the very few black NHL players in the 1980s, had played if Willie O'Ree hadn't made it to the NHL a generation earlier?

Morosi sought out Hockey Night In Canada analyst Kevin Weekes, who sponsored the Skillz Hockey charity in Toronto that has helped several black Canadian players advance. Few probably had a parent who could ask Joe Sakic on where to sign up for skating lessons, but as Weekes noted, that's really not important.

"If Seth is able to go No. 1, or even No. 2, it would be such a huge turning point for so many people," Weekes said. "Not only black people or visible minorities, but people in general. That's what North America is all about — having the opportunity. In hockey, it's about growing the game, taking it to the next level, making sure as many people as possible can enjoy it. That's where we're headed. We're not there yet. But we're going there."

Hey, someday people will play because the sport seems fun and open to them, notwithstanding the endlessly escalating expense. In the meantime, a role model who resonates still matters.

Neate Sager is a writer for Yahoo! Canada Sports. Contact him at neatesager@yahoo.ca and follow him on Twitter @neatebuzzthenet.

 

[DaRealness]

http://www.the-coli.com/locker-room...eing-struck-head-train-70mph.html#post2361253

 

[Patriarch]

Amiri Baraka

 

[Fredrick Thuglas]

Oprah is NO LONGER the RICHEST BLACK WOMAN in the WORLD.

Richest Black Woman In The World, Folorunsho Alakija, Was A Major Fashion Designer In Africa

We didn't think it was possible, but Oprah Winfrey has been dethroned as the richest black woman in the world. The new leading lady is oil baroness Folorunsho Alakija from Nigeria.

While drilling oil has reportedly made the 61-year-old owner of FAMFA Oil Limited a very rich woman -- she is estimated to be worth at least $3.2 billion -- Alakija started her ascent to financial supremacy in fashion.

Born into a wealthy family, Alakija studied fashion design in England back in the '80s and soon after founded the Nigerian clothing label Supreme Stitches. Her one-of-a-kind creations were worn by the who's who of African society, quickly making her the premier fashion designer in the West African country. In fact, she has been called one of the "pioneers of Nigerian fashion" and stays connected to the industry through the Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FDAN).

The well-heeled businesswoman and philanthropist made the switch to oil in 1993 and the rest is history. From the images we were able to dig up of Alakija, she is quite the fashion plate (read: eccentric dresser). But when you've out-earned the Queen of All Media by approximately $500 million, you're allowed to wear whatever you want.

Ventures Africa reports that Alakija owns at least $100 million in real estate and a $46 million private jet. And can you imagine what her closets look like? Move over, Imelda Marcos!

Check out Alakija looking very lovely (and rich) on the November 2012 cover of Geneieve magazine in a dress by Iconic Invanity.

LINK: Richest Black Woman In The World, Folorunsho Alakija, Was A Major Fashion Designer In Africa

 

[Rawtid]

Now reading: Think and grow rich: A black choice. By Dennis Kimbro based on the original principles of Napoleon Hill. It's and older book and I'm only a few chapters in but it's got some dope concepts. I'll post some quotes when I get a chance.

 

[Danie84]

Henry Ossawa Tanner (1st Black International Acclaimed Painter )

 

[El Bombi]

 

[↓R↑LYB]

Black Excellence y'all

 

[Blessup]

I am proud of our successful people, and I also proud to see members of the-coli that are intelligent and progressive. I love the the-coli

 

[Patriarch]

 

[CapitalOne]

 

[Marciano]

Dunno much about this pic, but I think it's dope