Jim Kelly: An amazing man!

I would like to offer my condolences to the Jim Kelly family. June 29th the world lost the first African American superstar martial artist Jim Kelly. He was 67.  Jim Kelly was a prominent African American martial artist/actor having worked with Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon.”

Jim Kelly and Bruce Lee Training.

He also appeared in many other films with actors such as Jim Brown and Fred Williamson throughout the 1970’s and 80’s. Kelly was also a professional tennis player. He has also been active recently having had starred in a few movies and a Nike commercial with Lebron James. Jim Kelly died from cancer.

Watch the commercial here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q22VEviS-Os

I will most definitely miss him because he helped usher in the popularity of martial arts among African Americans in the 70’s. He also portrayed a confident, skillful black man as well. I remember hearing him be interviewed at 2009 San Diego Comic-Con International, and he was such a humble man. He expressed that he felt moved to motivate his people positively and let them know that they too can become great in whatever they seek.

Jim Kelly with a fan, 2009 Comic Con

I remember the first time I watched Jim Kelly across the television screen. I was watching “Enter the Dragon”. I thought he looked so cool with his afro. He was also very smooth and an excellent fighter. I wanted so much to learn about the man behind the character. When, I learned that Kelly was a world class fighter, having competed in competitions and being trained in  Shorin-ryu karate and trained Okinawa-te karate, I was amazed. He received a black belt in Okinawa karate. He also studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and trained in boxing with boxer Muhammad Ali. Kelly along with martial artists Bruce Lee, Joe Louis and Chuck Norris helped introduce the art of mixed martial arts before the existence of the UFC.

Jim Kelly and Muhammad Ali.

Kelly has also been a martial arts choreographer. He also went on to open his own dojo (karate school). He has trained many up and coming African American martial artists.

He was educated in his craft, and sought to teach people about it. He also sought to motivate African Americans into training in martial arts as well. This was a man who strived to become great despite the hurdles of race he experienced. I loved this about Jim Kelly. He will be missed. His confidence and humbleness will be missed. May his accomplishments and life continue to further influence African American/black martial artists and visionaries alike. -M. Millie

PAULA DEEN! MY THOUGHTS!

When, there are trending stories, I like to take my time to respond. I like to first, fully understand the scope of the situation and details revolved around the controversy of a topic. Once, I understand the situation and/or controversy fully, I can make an educated opinion and response that is based on facts.

Now, I know that many people have been talking about the racist statements made by Paula Deen. I had to personally educate myself on who she was. I really did not know who she was before the controversy surrounding her surfaced. Upon, me learning who she was I understood why everyone was so upset.

Firstly, she was a beloved food network host who portrayed herself to be loving, wholesome and no where near racist. This is why this news is so hard to bear. She represented herself the total opposite of how she is being revealed to really be. Her true biased and racist self has come out and disappointed the fans that believed she was a unbiased, Oprah friend, loving person. SMH! You see games eventually end. Magic tricks are fake and shows eventually conclude. The facades people put up eventually end. They do not last forever. This is why her empire is crumbling because people realize who she really is.

Her actions further confirm to me that there are many people in power and celebrities who use facades, and smokes and mirrors to control their image and gain economic power. There have been many celebrities like Alec Baldwin, Michael Richards, etc who created an image of unbiased and equality, but eventually showed their racist attitudes. The truth always comes to light. People always show who they are eventually.

Next, the fact that people want to excuse Paula Deens actions because rappers use the N- word is ridiculous. Yes, rappers and Paula Deen used the N- word. Thats one comparison. Yes, Paula Deen and some rappers used the N- word to degrade others. That is the last comparison.

Most, rappers use the N- word as a term of endearment. Yes, it is derogatory and degrading, but most rappers use it as a positive. Next, when Paula Deen used the N- word she used it to racial degrade people of color. That is not what rappers do when they use the N- word. Yes, many rappers use the N- word as a term of endearment and ridicule, but never as a means of racial degrading people of color. This is why we CANNOT justify Paula Deens words because rappers use it. Rappers usage of the N- word along with Paula Deen’s usage are both wrong and are unacceptable. However, DO NOT, say Paula Deen can use the N- word because rappers do. That is a sad cop out to justify white supremacist racist attitudes.

I applaud the worker who has spoken out against the racial and sexual harassment they endured while employed by Deen. I am happy they are suing her and seeking damages from the lawsuit. Her comments should not be taken lightly. Racism has caused psychological, economic and mental distress on African American/black people for over 300 hundred years. We need to speak out against the continued racial prejudice we endure. We deserve respect and the equal treatment this country is supposed to be built on. I wish the former employee good luck on their trail.

Well. thats my take on the Paula Deen controversy. I welcome comments and feedback. What are your thoughts on the Paula Deen controversy? -M. Millie

Wilma Rudolph: A Life of Triumph

Today we celebrate the life of Wilma Rudolph. Rudolph was an African-American athlete. She is an Olympic Champion, once named the fastest woman in the world. Everyday is Black History.

Rudolph was born premature and sickly on June 23, 1940, in St. Bethlehem, Tennessee. Stricken with polio as a child, she had problems with her left leg and had to wear a brace. It was with great determination and the help of physical therapy that she was able to overcome the disease as well as her resulting physical disabilities.

Rudolph as a child.

Growing up in the South before segregation was outlawed, Rudolph attended an all-black school, Burt High School, where she played on the basketball team. A naturally gifted runner, she was soon recruited to train with Tennessee State University track coach Ed Temple.

While still in high school, Wilma Rudolph, nicknamed “Skeeter” for her famous speed, qualified for the 1956 Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. The youngest member of the U.S. team at the age of 16, she won a bronze medal in the sprint relay event. After finishing high school, Rudolph enrolled at Tennessee State University, where she studied education. She also trained hard for the next Olympics.

In the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome Rudolph became the first African American woman to win three gold medals in track and field during a single Olympic Games.

Rudolph with her three Olympic medals.

A track and field champion, she elevated women’s track to a major presence in the United States. Rudolph became an international star due to the first international television coverage of the Olympics that year.

Rudolph crossing the finish line in 1960.

The powerful sprinter emerged from the 1960 Rome Olympics as “The Tornado,” the fastest woman on earth.The Italians nicknamed her La Gazzella Negra (“The Black Gazelle“); to the French she was La Perle Noire (“The Black Pearl”). She is one of the most famous Tennessee State University Tigerbelles, the name of the TSU women’s track and field program.

Rudolph signing autographs for fans.

Rudolph officially retired from track and field in 1962 at the age of 22. She went on to gain her degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University. She was a school teacher as well as a sports track teacher.

Rudolph in her cap and gown after receiving her education degree.

Her triumph gained her many awards and recognition. She was United Press Athlete of the Year 1960 and Associated Press Woman Athlete of the Year for 1960 and 1961. Also in 1961, the year of her father’s death, Rudolph won the James E. Sullivan Award, an award for the top amateur athlete in the United States, and visited President John F. Kennedy.

Rudolph at the White House with President John F. Kennedy and Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson.

She was voted into the National Black Sports and Entertainment Hall of Fame in 1973 and the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1974. She was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 1983, honored with the National Sports Award in 1993, and inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1994, the portion of U.S. Route 79 in Clarksville, Tennessee between the Interstate 24 exit 4 in Clarksville to the Red River (Lynnwood-Tarpley) bridge near the Kraft Street intersection was renamed to honor Wilma Rudolph.A life-size bronze statue of Rudolph stands at the southern end of the Cumberland River Walk at the base of the Pedestrian Overpass, College Street and Riverside Drive, in Clarksville.

On July 14, 2004, the United States Postal Service issued a 23-cent Distinguished Americans series postage stamp in recognition of her accomplishments.

Wilma Rudolph was an amazing woman. Lets honor and remember her life today. She used her talent and skill to attain the goals she sought. She worked hard and believed in her abilities. Family we must do the same. We must couple or talents with hard work and belief in ourselves. This is a winning combination. We can all become great if we use our god given skills, hard work and confidence to make greatness happen for us. So look in the face of failure and defeat and know that you, like Wilma Rudolph are not limited by sickness, problems or circumstance. You too, can reach heights of success, achievement and greatness. ~Know Your Worth~ -M. Millie

Wilma Rudolph with fellow Olympian Florence Griffith Joyner