As this is a blog that discusses sports, politics and other aspects of society, it's only fitting that our Black History Month post would delve into said topics. This moment in black history is definitely of note as the world recently celebrated Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday. One of the seminal moments of the 1960s and sports history, Ali's decision not to go to Vietnam may have changed the course of black athlete's involvements in sports and the roles they played.
The following photos and accompanying video show the Negro Industrial and Economic Union (started by HOF running back Jim Brown) giving Ali the platform to explain his stance on the Vietnam War among other issues. This is one of the rare times we see major athletes of any race across sports step up for a cause outside their arenas.
In the mold of Michael Jordan, many superstar athletes have often stayed away from taking controversial stances on non-sport issues. Maybe the only time, albeit necessary, that we see top level players banding together to fight an injustice is during a lockout in their respective sports. It is usually deemed to be more cost-effective and less career-threatening to say nothing, and "just sell your shoes" so to speak. The men of the NIEU took their stances on the issues when it could mean even more damage to their livelihood and even their lives. For that they should be remembered and more importantly, commended.
The following photos and accompanying video show the Negro Industrial and Economic Union (started by HOF running back Jim Brown) giving Ali the platform to explain his stance on the Vietnam War among other issues. This is one of the rare times we see major athletes of any race across sports step up for a cause outside their arenas.In the mold of Michael Jordan, many superstar athletes have often stayed away from taking controversial stances on non-sport issues. Maybe the only time, albeit necessary, that we see top level players banding together to fight an injustice is during a lockout in their respective sports. It is usually deemed to be more cost-effective and less career-threatening to say nothing, and "just sell your shoes" so to speak. The men of the NIEU took their stances on the issues when it could mean even more damage to their livelihood and even their lives. For that they should be remembered and more importantly, commended.
The following link is to a VERY interesting 1967 Sports Illustrated article Bill Russell wrote about Ali choosing not to go to Vietnam. Russell speaks better on the topic than any of us could think to do even today. BILL RUSSELL: I AM NOT WORRIED ABOUT ALI
Part 2 to Coach Says' Black History Month Series will be up shortly.
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