In order to see where we are going, we not only must remember where we have been, but we must understand where we have been.
The above quote is by Ella Baker, an African-American human rights activist. As we cover Black History Month here at YAA, this quote embodies our mindset towards the value of Black contributions over the years; within this article, the work of many great Black athletes is showcased.
Currently, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics are underway. Among many of the big names in the quadrennial sporting event are Black athletes such as Erin Jackson, Cynthia Appiah, and Matthew Wekpe. Appearances by Black athletes at the Winter games have been on the rise in recent years, and their success goes back to Salt Lake City in 2002, when Jarome Iginla became the first Black man to win a Winter Olympic gold medal. In fact, Jarome’s impact goes beyond the Olympics. Within the National Hockey League, he broke many barriers as well. With career totals of 625 goals, 675 assists, and 1,300 points, Jarome Iginla was the Black player in NHL history to score 400+ goals and 1,000+ points. In terms of hardware, “Iggy” was the first Black player to win the Art Ross Trophy (awarded to the league’s leading scorer), the Lester B. Pearson/Ted Lindsay Award (given to the most outstanding player, as voted by the league’s players), and the Rocket Richard Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s leading goal scorer). The two-time Olympic gold medalist was also the NHL’s second Black captain (the first was Dirk Graham of the Chicago Blackhawks), and one of the first Black Hall-of-Famers. After establishing that impressive resume, it may seem like Jarome Iginla was pretty amazing on his own. However, Iginla himself attributes his success to the inspiration provided from figures such as the NHL’s first ever Black player, Willie O’Ree, and other icons such as Grant Fuhr. Growing up, he faced struggles regarding whether or not people thought he could make it to the NHL, solely because he was Black. Iginla says that these sources of inspiration were so impactful, not only so that he could have an answer for his doubters, but also for himself to “know what was possible.”
It is because of great athletes such as Jarome Iginla that we are able to see the effect of certain figures on any given aspect of our world. For example, in 2013, P.K. Subban became the first Black player to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman. In the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Quinton Byfield became the highest-drafted Black player in the league’s history when the Los Angeles Kings selected him second overall. Years later, due to the work of prior Black icons, current generations are making history and paving the way for future generations to come. Black athletes have been making their mark in many other sports for several decades. However, their impact in a sport that still predominantly consists of non-Black athletes, such as hockey, is truly something to look up to.
Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play Major League Baseball, said that “a life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” The significance of these athletes’ excellence goes beyond their literal accomplishments within their respective sports. Apart from their individual feats, their true achievement is the impact that they have left on our world. By doing what they did, they not only paved the way for countless future Black athletes, but they enhanced the sports universe for all – through their talent, skill, and dedication to their purpose. And that is something that we will always remember and value.
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