Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Post

Why IT Matters:

🎾 Remember this name: Althea Gibson. She was first. First Black woman to play on the international tennis circuit. First Black woman to win a Grand Slam event. First Black woman to win The French Open, Wimbledon, US Nationals. First Black woman to win 11 Grand Slam tournaments: five singles titles, five doubles titles, and one mixed doubles title. First Black Woman to play professional golf. There was nothing about her road to the top that was easy. She gave everything she had to her success -despite the odds being stacked against her. She was resilient beyond measure - facing barrier after barrier, being overlooked, being continually discriminated against, being treated like scum - she kept focusing on her craft and getting better and better. She leaned into community - people supported her to new heights - the right people did anyways. . Being first is not easy. It’s not glamorous. It’s take hard work, killer focus, and immeasurable grit. Remember the name Althea Gibson when you go first. (credit The Female Quotient 🎾) #blackhistorymonth #womenofcolor #womenleaders #womenentrepreneurs

FOOTBALL

South Carolina won, with a perfect 37-0 record and new fans of women’s basketball continue repeating the tired refrain that “Caitlyn single-handedly revolutionized women’s basketball.” This discourse seems to suggest that commercials, interviews, magazine covers, sponsorships and promos invest in themselves. CC is an exceptional offensive talent, but the overinvestment in her brand is what made women’s basketball more watchable. Clark literally cannot do that herself. Just because you never watched women’s basketball before does not mean there was no prior electrifying talent worth the same investment Clark is now receiving. The fact that so many people are spending more time playing defense for Caitlyn (something she doesn’t do very well), and less time celebrating South Carolina’s 37-0 victory, shows me how and why CC has the fandom she does: we are more invested in racial narratives (about Black girls as “ghetto,” “mean,” etc. and white girls as “classy”) than we are in the beauty of the sport itself. To be clear: talking about race does not take away from Caitlyn’s greatness. It just exposes the lie that greatness never existed before her.

The Future

**Olympic Black Power Salute: A Stand for Human Rights** Yo, let’s rewind to the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City, where the Games weren’t just about sports—they turned into a stage for one of the most powerful political statements in history. 🌍🔥 During the medal ceremony for the 200m race, American sprinters Tommie Smith and John Carlos made waves with their iconic Black Power salute. Picture this: both athletes, barefoot and heads bowed, raising a gloved fist to symbolize a stand for human rights. Smith said it was all about universal human rights, but the gesture was also seen as a powerful statement of support for the Black Power movement. ✊🏿✊🏾 The backlash was intense. Smith and Carlos were sent home in disgrace and faced tons of hostility upon their return. But they stood firm, believing they had a moral duty to use their platform for change, even if it meant tarnishing their personal reputations. 👊🏽 And let’s not forget Peter Norman, the Aussie who joined the protest by wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge. He was ostracized for his support, proving that taking a stand can come with a hefty price tag. 🌟🇦🇺 The salute remains one of the most enduring symbols of activism in sports history, showing that the Olympic stage can be more than just about medals—it can be a powerful platform for social change. 🥇✊🏽 #BlackPowerSalute #Mexico1968 #TommieSmith #JohnCarlos #PeterNorman #HumanRights #OlympicActivism #PowerfulMoment #SportsAndPolitics #OlympicHistory #StandForChange

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY I’ve loved sports since I was a kid, both as a fairly mediocre participant and as a fan. My passion for sports, however, is being sorely tested and may soon flame out. In short, I am disgusted by most of what I see happening around sports at every level, from the pros on down to high schools. Today’s example #1: Chucky Hepburn, a good but not great basketball player for the UW Badgers. Despite his acknowledged high value to his teammates and coach Greg Gard, as well as his failure to achieve the goals of winning the Big 10 championship and a deep run in the NCAA tourney, Hepburn has decided that “loyalty” means nothing and playing for UW apparently won’t get him drafted high enough by the NBA, so he’s headed to Greener Pastureland, i.e., the Transfer Portal. Like so many of today’s collegiate athletes, it’s all about ”me, me, and me” and, of course, the cash payout from NIL coupled with his draft potential into the pros. Well, I say good riddance to Chucky. His selfish attitude is emblematic of far too many of his college-level contemporaries across the country. And then, speaking of NIL (name, image, and likeness) we have example #2: the WIAA is considering allowing high school athletes to benefit from NIL. That’s right, your neighbor Scooter from the local high school basketball team may soon be able to offer his own signature shoe. Of course, if NIL is adopted, instead of taking the bus to school, Scooter will be driving in his new Corvette. Is it just a fond memory of mine, or do you also remember days when people played a sport because they loved it, not because of what their participation could add to their bank account? #sports #basketball #college #university #uw #chuckyhepburn #nil #namelikenessimage #pros #professional #athletes #money #wiaa #highschool #wisconsin #transfer #portal https://lnkd.in/ggUBhAw3

In the world of basketball, there are players who leave an indelible mark on the game, not just through their exceptional skills on the court but also through their impact on the culture and community. A’ja Wilson is one such player, and her jersey has become a symbol of excellence and inspiration in the world of sports. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the A’ja Wilson jersey, explore her incredible journey, and answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this basketball legend.

In honor of March Madness, I wanted to express exactly what the sport of basketball has done for not only my kids but also for me as a spectator. Sixteen years of soccer made me an athlete, but I had no idea what to expect when my kids laced up their shoes and stepped onto that court. The game of basketball took hold of me almost immediately; the pace, the excitement, and the absolutely mind-blowing athleticism! If my team isn't playing, I'll watch anyone who is. That is the kind of fan I am. So, what does this have to do with appraising? If you take your joy and compare it side by side with just about anything, you will find similarities, strategies, and eventually the sought-after triumph. My role is to make our team successful, to train them properly, have a concrete game plan, and, as much as possible, come away with a win. And in the event that victory is not attainable, we watch and review life's film and try again!

🌟 #LaborDayWeekend celebrates the contributions and achievements of American workers. Our article, 'A Lost Century: The Economic Expansion and Exploitation of Black Teenage Hoopers,' serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of recent NIL trends and compensating NCAA athletes through media and sponsorships. These changes are crucial in bringing balance to the athlete, revenue, and compensation equation. 📈⚖️ #NIL #AthleteCompensation #FairPay #nobackboard #nobackboards #changethegame Link: https://lnkd.in/gmxMk4TC