While there is SO much unfortunate black history unfolding in the news currently, I’d like to address some happy history that was made just last night in the sports world.
Le Bron James broke legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s nearly 40-year record of 38,387 points scored, becoming the NBA’s new all-time scoring leader in the third quarter of the home game with a 3-point dunk. The game was paused while the crowd erupted, and King James was absolutely overcome with emotion, especially when class act Jabbar came to the court to embrace James and congratulate him. What a moment.
At a time when there are scores of great films about African American heroes, heroines, and social activists, and at a time we can all celebrate the new George Floyd Act, it is nice to also celebrate their enormous contributions in other areas of our culture. Sports are indeed an huge part of the American culture, as is music. Beyonce broke a record just this past Sunday, earning her 32rd Grammy.
The psychologist Howard Gardner theorized there are eight types of intelligence: linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic/athletic, musical/artistic, interpersonal (social), intrapersonal, and naturalist. When I first learned about this theory, it was relieving. Not all kids are great at math and science in school. All forms of intelligence are important and deserved to be celebrated. While there are outstanding African Americans embracing all these eight types of intelligence, I’m particularly excited about the two pieces of history made this week.
Check out Till and Wakanda Forever and Disney’s “Celebrate Black Stories” collection. But also watch LeBron James and listen to Beyonce.
“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks