The great black athletes from throughout American history have served as role models for younger generations in ways that none of their peers have. To be sure, some of these great athletes are practically gods to not just black fans, but all sports fans. During his career, Michael Jordon often seemed to have a superhuman ability on the basketball court. Muhammad Ali's career conveyed such an inspirational message of black pride to black and white Americans that he virtually transformed social perceptions of whites regarding black people.
It seemed unlikely that a black boxer, even one of the best black boxers, could become such a central figure for black pride before Mohammed Ali came around. However, Ali showed African American youth something so inspirational that it enabled them to change their worldview as no other public figure has ever succeeded in doing.
As the leading black man with swagger and braggadocio in the world, Ali stood out like no other. Using rhymes - he floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee - to promoting himself -- he keeps saying "I'm pretty", he entertains black and white admirers alike. It was a clear message. It was Ali's pride that made him black, and there are many other reasons black Americans should be proud of them as well.
It can sometimes be difficult for young black people to gain the confidence and self-assurance needed to break out of oppression and succeed after years of suffering. It took the work of great black role models like Muhammad Ali to assure black people that being great and proud is a possibility. Unlike other black role models, Ali didn't simply boast about his achievements. His athletic accomplishments also made him an excellent role model. The way Ali fought truly was a thing of beauty, and when he bragged about being "pretty," he showed how pretty he was.
The phenomenal career of Michael Jordan exemplifies the same excellence and the way it has inspired the black community. Similarly to Ali, who rose above the genre of boxing due to his phenomenal talents, Jordan was such a prodigious basketball player that he was seen as an inspiration to black youth nationwide. Their recognition of God's favour and the opportunity to succeed made them both realise that he provided them with such talent and opportunities. Additionally, they acted as a role model in their communities to inspire them to do their best as well.
Furthermore, African-American sports heroes have served to heal the community by setting a high standard of excellence for all sports fans. Mohammed Ali and Michael Jordan were adored by many sports fans, not just black ones. Sports were a major part of their lives and they became real heroes to those who loved them.
Men and women have an opportunity to interact through sports and find common ground. All who enjoy the exploits of sports heroes, whether they are on the baseball diamond, football field, boxing arena, or basketball court, become comrades as they catch up with each other in the world of sports. Fans value their heroes according to a standard that is based on talent, achievement, and the ability to do that one thing everyone in sports admires - namely, to win. Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordon certainly embody the essence of great African-American men who were also winners in every sense of the word. We appreciate such individuals no matter the color of their skin.
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