By: Cheryl Smith
I want to talk about four Black men who filled me with joy.
Since the mid-1980s, I’ve attended press conferences announcing the Grambling versus Prairie View A&M State Fair Classic, which was formerly known as the Al Lipscomb State Fair Classic, in honor of the late, great former Dallas City Councilman Albert Lipscomb.
Monday, as I sat in a standing-room-only Cotton Bowl press room, it was exciting being with people whom I’ve grown very fond of over the decades. It was also inspiring to observe the excitement generated by promoter Al Wash and his team, along with alumni, sponsors, and fans.
When it was time for the athletic directors and coaches of both teams to speak, I heard that hit song by the late, great Angie Stone, Brotha, in my head.
I wanted to sing out loud, ‘Cuz you’re my Black brotha, strong brotha, there is no one above ya.’
They thanked everyone for supporting the Classic and talked about the respect they had for one another on and off the field. They praised one another, and they praised HBCUs.
Sure, there’s a game to play and the rivalry is strong and intense. And then there’s the battle of the bands, which is equally intense and entertaining.
I was so proud because there was no pettiness. These were grown men who knew how to win and lose with dignity and grace.
There was competitiveness, and even those remarks were done in a spirit that was uplifting, supportive, and worthy of accolades.
Now why am I saying something about their behavior? Because if they had been cussing one another, angry, or worse, refusing to acknowledge or talk to one another, their actions would have led every news cycle and also appeared in publications that rarely write anything about HBCUs.
The focus would shift away from the game, the greatness of these institutions, or the efforts of the student-athletes.
So I salute Prairie View A&M University’s Athletic Director Anton Goff, and Head Football Coach Tremaine Jackson.
I salute, Grambling State University’s Athletic Director Dr. Trayvean Scott, and Head Football Coach Mickey Joseph.
You have displayed the excellence, skill, character, and intelligence your ancestors expected, hoped and prayed for, and you have exhibited the characteristics that future generations will deem worthy of emulating.
There’s a 1970s song by a group, the Soul Generation, called If I Had a Million Dollars.
With inflation by now, that $1million should be billions, and if I had it, I’d give it to institutions like PV and GSU, so they could continue grooming men to be like those four men who are leading on and off the field.
