Black Magic

I am so happy that on Sunday night I was able to catch part one of ESPN’s documentary Black Magic, which gives an in depth absolutely mesmerizing account of how historically black college basketball players struggled to get respect, recognition and dang how they struggled just for the chance to compete. I mean the doc starts by giving the details of a secret match between North Carolina’s College for Negroes and some random cats from Duke’s Medical School. The game was done behind close doors in secret with nary a seat filled. It had to be this way b/c in 1944 Blacks, err Negroes were not allowed to play with whites. Later to hear cats like Earl "The Pearl" Monroe tell it, you really get an idea of the isolation and the frustration they experienced. Earl’s story of how he went away to college and how the coach (the phenomenal Clarence Gaines) would work him so hard on the court but didn’t give him the play he felt he deserved was humorous, heartfelt and crazy poignant. Of course he went on to play for the NBA and became a legend. (Earl, I know you read this here blog and I have to say it publicly how grateful I am to now know your story!)

If you can, please check this documentary. As a matter of fact buy it if it ever goes to market. It will definitely educate you about civil rights and professional sports (The Negro Baseball League wasn’t the only entity that was affected). It is simply remarkable how these brothers changed the game, which shouldn’t come as a surprise after seeing how Tiger has rocked golf and even Venus and Serena in Tennis. Before Blacks b-balled white boys would just stroll up and down the court with a slow dribble and pass three-step. When brothers were allowed to compete they were running up and down the court like the Klan was on their as*. I really hope every current slick talkin, blinged-out NBA player sees Black Magic. Maybe they will be inspired to play harder, hit the hardwood and fight for the ball and play like it’s an opportunity of a lifetime. Because it is really is.