Volume 129, Issue 8: February 11, 2021

VOLUME 129, ISSUE 8

the

SIGNAL A P U B L I CAT I O N O F O U AC H I TA BA PT I S T U N I V E R SI T Y

FEBRUARY 11, 2021

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cover story....................................3 news................................................4-5 arts/entertainment....................6 opinions...........................................7 Sports................................................8

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SIGNAL

Caity Hatchett

Elizabeth Steely

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SPORTS EDITOR

Sara Patterson

Matthew Branch

OSDN COORDINATOR

Katie Kemp

Hannah Smith

COPY EDITOR

NEWS EDITOR

Langley Leverett ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT & OPINIONS EDITOR

Dr. Jeff Root Adviser

Caroline Derby AD COORDINATOR

PHOTO EDITOR

Abby Blankenship PHOTO EDITOR

Dr. Deborah Root Adviser

The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published twice a month on Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters when school is in session. The newspaper is distributed free of charge; 1,200 copies are placed in more than 20 locations across campus.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or university. The Signal is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press and is printed by the Nashville Leader.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number, and must be less than 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and style. Letters should be sent via campus mail to Box 3761 or via email to signal@obu.edu.

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Fighting for unity, diversity to replace division

BY LANGLEY LEVERETT

Arts & Entertainment/Opinions Editor She wants people to listen. She wants to speak with force and walk with purpose. She wants to shed light on her mission, her ancestors and her culture. Working with her club members, mentoring and tutoring incoming students, she is dedicated to not only making community, but inspiring the community around her.

Dayja James is a sophomore biology major from McGehee, Ark., and serves as the president of Multicultural Organization Reaching Equality (MORE). James is committed to spreading diversity and inclusion in each program she’s involved with, including the Multicultural Student Programs (MSP), MORE’s gospel choir, TRIO and the Women of EEE. James has been involved in clubs like MORE since high school. She wants to fight against barriers that keep people in the dark. She believes that educating others and herself can prevent boundaries and encourage engagement.

“We live in a world where we construct so many boundaries.

It’s taking away from learning about who we are. We create these boundaries that are rooted in fear, and they prevent us from engaging with people,” James said. “My ancestors were seeking change and actively pursuing it, but also grabbing other people along on the journey. Like, let’s do this together, you and I. Black History Month is a time of celebration, a time of education.”

James also believes that giving the proper attention to political and social matters is the first step in acknowledging the problem. These realizations can be unnerving, but she maintains that it’s a critical step toward true inclusion.

On the cover: Dayja James speaks with students during MSP’s back-to-school event in August. On this page: James is the president of MORE, is heavily involved in MSP and is part of the Women of EEE. (photos by Abby Blankenship)

“Paying attention to the state of our community and our country, these racial barriers and tensions run a lot deeper than what we see with our eyes. We have a lot of systemic stuff that’s going on, that’s deeply rooted in our country,” James said. “Inclusivity is going beyond my perspective.

To stop thinking so sheltered.

Being inclusive should never be completely comfortable.”

With the recent events of 2020, from police brutality to nationwide protests, James has felt exhausted, angry, resigned and many other emotions throughout the last year.

“The overwhelming feeling I felt was tired. It was a draining thing.

When you wake up as a person of color, you don’t get to choose if you want to fight. You don’t have an option. Something that I want people to understand, that I

challenge people to understand, is that Black people are angry,” James said. “They’re enraged.

There’s been so much injustice and it feels like we’re fighting and nothing is changing.”

Black communities have dealt with generational trauma, realities of deep misunderstanding and severe injustice. James has noticed that many are confused, hurt and tired. Despite sorrow, James continues to encourage herself and others to keep moving forward — to keep answering questions, sharing their experiences and educating.

“There are people who are tired of explaining that you can’t keep having these microaggressions against our people. There are people who are tired of saying you can’t take pieces of our culture and make it into something that you

want to throw around, like certain cultural hairstyles or stereotypes.

A lot of people like to embody those jokes and it does something to our people,” James said. “One of the things I want people not of color to realize is that this really hurts. These conversations are not easy, and there are Black people that are tired of answering the same questions. But I always say, if we are not the ones who can help answer these questions, who else will? Who are people not of color going to go to?”

Another concern that James has is the stigma surrounding activism — especially Black women who choose to be vocal about their beliefs.

“There’s a stereotype that people place on Black women. ‘The Angry Black Woman.’ I’m a very strong minded person. The hardest part

has been staying passionate without turning people away,” James said.

“Sometimes my passion seems wrought with anger. I’m not angry, I just want you to understand where I’m coming from. I have to realize that there is already that stigma that people have attached to me. I have to be extra careful, even if I’m saying something that’s truthful and factual. You have a brief moment to hold someone’s attention and what you say in those moments are so crucial.”

When it comes to furthering personal education about antiracism, fighting systemic racism and bringing down roadblocks, asking questions is an important part of the process for James. And the intentions behind the questions matter, too.

“It’s great to preface questions by asking, ‘Do I have your permission to ask you about this topic,’ because you never know.

A question that’s okay for me could trigger another person. We have different trauma. We come from different places,” James said.

“Come from a place of love. I don’t think any question coming from a place of ‘I want to attack you’ should be asked. It is my prayer that when these questions are asked, they are coming from places of a genuine want to understand.”

Despite these matters, James places emphasis on the fact that racial issues are not one-sided.

Joining and communicating with each other to try and understand other people will strengthen unity.

“I don’t like the me-against-you thing. I don’t like the us-againsty’all thing. That’s what we’re trying to step away from,” James said. “We need to be immersed in love for each other. We need to be intertwined to the point that you see a struggle of one of your friends of color, and say, ‘That’s my fight. It’s our fight.’”

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Guests at the 2020 International Food Festival wait in the Walker Conference Center lobby. This year, the event will be held partly virtually. (photo by Hannah Adamson)

International Club to host partly virtual food festival

BY KENZIE BURKS Staff Writer

The International Club will host its annual International Food Festival on Tuesday, Feb. 16. This year, the festival will be partially virtual due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Gwyneth Hadasa, junior international student and president of International Club, particularly enjoys that the festival recognizes students with international experience, whether that be long-term residence or a semester of study.

“The food festival is for students who have studied abroad or lived abroad,” Hadasa said.

Hadasa came to Ouachita from Indonesia. She is excited to be able share her culture and the culture of other international students with the Ouachita community.

For freshman International Club member Breanna Watson, this will be her first time to witness the variety of cultural cuisines represented at the event.

“The International Club students have basically been selected to create recipes to show off their different cultures,” Watson said.

Watson’s role for this year’s fes-

tival is to be a “runner.” President Ben Sells will be under a purple tent, while Watson will be delivering goody bags across campus.

“I think this is a way to still incorporate the most cherished elements of the food festival,” Watson said.

The online aspect of this year’s festival will include QR codes that students can scan to watch videos that show them how to make a few of this year’s featured dishes.

“This year is different, but still exciting,” Hadasa said.

After attending and participating in some of the past food festivals, Hadasa still believes that this festival will be just as good as the ones in past years.

Some of the most memorable recipes have been European cake, Chinese dumplings and Hadasa’s own Indonesian spicy beef curry.

“My favorite recipe so far has been the dumplings from China that were made last year,” Hadasa said.

Although this year’s festival will be different,the International Club officers and members are excited to share the recipes they know and love with the Ouachita community.

Last year’s Black and White Reception took place at the end of February. This year’s event will look much different with masks and social distancing, and it is set to take place in Jones Performing Arts Center. (photo by Hannah Smith)

Honors program plans reception

BY ELIZABETH WIMBERLY Staff Writer The Carl Goodson Honors program is preparing to host its annual Black and White Reception on March 6 at 8 p.m. in Jones Performing Arts Center.

This reception welcomes new students to the Honors program, recognizes students that have completed their thesis and facilitates the awarding of financial grants.

This year, an outdoor reception is set to follow the ceremony.

Leaders of the Honors program and representatives of the academic schools across campus help plan the reception each year. Due to uncertainty from COVID-19, the coordinators only recently learned that they can still hold the reception this year.

Despite still being in the planning stages, the reception coordi-

nators are working to ensure that the event is still a fun one for Honors students.

The Black and White Reception is usually held in Walker Conference Center, but this year it has been moved to JPAC. This will allow coordinators to control social distancing and allow more space for guest safety. The guest list is also limited due to social distancing guidelines.

The event coordinators also plan to replace the tradition of an in-person alumni guest speaker with short clips of alumni from each academic school to encourage students to keep working toward academic success.

Honors ambassador Kristi Roshto is looking forward to this new element of the reception.

“One of the things that I am excited for is having clips of past alumni,” Roshto said. “We hope to receive clips representing each

school to encourage those in the Honors program to keep pushing for academic success.”

In addition, President Dr. Ben Sells plans to sponsor a special surprise in order to make up for the loss of the usual traditions this year. This is also likely to be a highlight of the event for students.

Donors for the Black and White Reception include President Sells, the Goodson family, Sodexo and a local flower shop that donated a flower piece for the piano. Associate Professor of Music Dr. Mary Chung will also be performing at the reception. The event coordinators also want a music ensemble to play at the reception.

The coordinators are proceeding with caution but are dedicated to putting on a memorable and safe event. The Honors leadership and everyone involved with planning this year’s reception are excited to celebrate the Honors students.

NEWS

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Black History Month celebrates, educates

BY MAKENZIE HALL Staff Writer

For the first three years of his schooling, he was surrounded by a close-knit community of faculty and staff. It was a nurturing environment where everyone knew each other. However, when it was time for him to start the fourth grade, he entered a new school— an integrated one. As he looked around, he noticed the only staff members that came with him from his all-Black school were the bus drivers and cafeteria workers. The rest of the faculty was deemed “unqualified” to teach at the newly-integrated school.

This is a small piece of Special Assistant to the President Dr. Lewis Shepherd’s story. February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate and honor Black Americans’s impact. It is also a time to reflect on the past and remember stories like Dr. Shepherd’s.

Throughout the month of February, Ouachita’s Multicultural Organization Reaching Equality (MORE) is hosting events for students, faculty and staff to engage with Black history.

MORE has adapted this year’s Black History Month celebrations to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. Students can expect smaller, socially distanced events instead of the larger celebrations they may be used to.

A few of these events include a different African American author spotlight every week in the library, a prayer gathering at the Flag Plaza on Feb. 16 and music and dessert during Friday at Dr. Jack’s on Feb. 26 to end the month’s festivities.

Students can also participate in the game night that MORE is hosting in the student center on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. There is a month-long scavenger hunt happening each

Friday that students can be a part of, too. The last day for Val-AGram pick-up is Friday, Feb. 12.

MORE is a part of the Multicultural Student Programs (MSP).

MSP also consists of La Fuerza, an organization supporting Latino and Hispanic students at Ouachita.

While La Fuerza celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month in the fall, it also helps with Black History Month events as part of MSP. For Monica Rutledge, Multicultural Support Specialist, MSP is about motivation, education and celebration.

“It is designed to support students of color that may or may not feel naturally involved or connected,” Rutledge said. “We want students to know that they are more than just a number on the roster and more than just a warm body on campus. We are committed to their overall success on campus, off campus and even after their college days have ended.”

MORE’s Vice President Tyrese Allen sees the organization as a way to create a safe space to educate others about the importance of Black history and culture.

“We have to teach, we have to educate, we have to let them know,” Allen said. “Who better to tell our story than us?”

Dr. Shepherd hopes that participants of all racial and cultural backgrounds know they are welcome to join the celebrations that MSP and MORE facilitate during this month.

“I hope that people can step back and see the larger picture of how African Americans through history made an impact in American culture,” Shepherd said. “It’s OK to celebrate not just Black culture, but it’s OK to celebrate everybody’s culture because everyone has something to contribute. Everyone deserves to experience a sense of belonging.”

Top to bottom: MORE members sell Val-A-Grams outside Evans Student Center. (photo by Callie Rogers). A Sodexo server prepares a student’s plate during the Black History Month lunch. (photo by Meagan North) The MORE choir gathers in Berry Chapel to practice. The choir will perform in a virtual concert on Facebook live on Feb. 23. (photo by Sarah Dean)

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Solidarity in social media: Accounts to follow to educate yourself about Black history

BY ERICA WILMATH Staff Writer

Black History Month is dedicated to highlighting the accomplishments of Black Americans and celebrating their heritage. Setting aside a month to honor and recognize this important history allows us to engage in necessary conversations with one another.

It is impossible to honor and celebrate something you know very little about. It is vital that we not only acknowledge this time created to specifically celebrate Black history, but to also champion individuals who are dedicating their platforms to support the Black community.

Below is a list of reliable social media accounts that offer anti-racism education, social justice initiatives and more ways to get involved. @nmaahcThis account is the official account for the Smithsonian National Museum of Afrian American History and Culture. The account has a feature called #onthisday that educates followers on history that was made year-round. They also have a calendar to follow along for BHM and celebrate the history and importance of Black history. The account focuses on sharing inspiring stories and biographies on men and women that influenced Black history and success. @naacpThe National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, established in 1909, uses its social media platforms to encourage people to learn about and appreciate the contributions that Black Americans have made to society. This organization has over 2 million activists and 2,200

branches across the nation. They are firmly committed to removing social, political and economic barriers, ensuring health of all minority communities and educating individuals on their constitutional rights. @thelovelandfoundationThe Loveland Foundation was founded by Rachel Cargle, a writer and activist, in 2018. This resource is primarily centered on offering mental health resources for Black youth and helping communities of color heal. This account is used year-round to raise funds for therapy support for women and girls in the Black community. This account is a great way to lend a hand and read stories on present-day history. @becauseofthemBecause of Them We Can is an online platform that is dedicated to highlighting Black excellence from the past, present and future. Their Instagram account has a highlight on Black History Month that gives followers access to educational and encouraging videos on BHM success. The account is currently doing a #becauseofthemwecan challenge where they have asked the Black community to share encouraging stories of their ancestors and ways that they influenced their community. @learningforjusticeLearning For Justice was created specifically to educate students about taking initiative in a diverse democracy. Its Instagram account is filled with knowledge and historical facts that can equip us to not only celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of Black history, but to use this knowledge to better the future. This organization also has a podcast resource that is free and available through their media platforms.

Black activism, inspiration in music

BY CRAIG CRAWFORD Staff Writer

During Black History Month, America celebrates the lives, works, culture, passions, energies and art of Black Americans But the fog from last year hasn’t lifted yet.

2020 was a lot of things.

It changed the course of life around the world in dramatic and irreversible ways. It reshaped the political landscape in America.

It brought things at a simmer to a boil, which resulted in a cultural reset amid racial and political strife.

2020 brought a second wind to the Black Lives Matter movement, following the murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and Elijah McClain, among others.

At a time when things were grim (COVID-19 had just begun), a resurgence for civil rights took America by storm in a way not

seen since the 1960s. And from this uprising came the energy and activism of Black artists, who have poured their energy into expressing themselves, lifting other Black artists up and making music.

While Black musicians did not top the Billboard list of commercial output, the Weeknd’s album “After Hours” was the fourth best selling album last year. It grossed over 2 million album-equivalent units sold, including almost 500,000 pure copies.

Black artists historically have used music to fight against racism and to fight for justice. Famous artists like Nina Simone devoted their lives and careers to Black art and music. This past year saw the emergence of music that was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. Here are some anthems that channel the attitude of the civil rights movement from the 60s and some music from the last year in

the spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Essential Protest Music of the 60s: “Strange Fruit,” Billie Holiday: a ballad that hauntingly evokes the lynching of a Black man.

“A Change is Gonna Come,” Sam Cooke: a song in solidarity of those fighting for civil rights, reflecting on what has already been done and what is coming.

Essential Protest Music from the Black Lives Matter movement: “Freedom,” Beyonce ft.

Kendrick Lamar: a window into the struggle of fighting for racial justice.

“Alright,” Kendrick Lamar: a full-tilt protest hymn laid over mellow chords and pulsating drums.

“A Long Violent History,” Tyler Childers: a tune about the repercussions of white indifference.

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‘Treat yo’ self’: Valentine’s ideas from ‘Parks and Rec’

BY MADELINE MARTIN Staff Writer

Honoring Dr. King’s legacy, looking toward future solutions

BY TYRANNI HUBBARD Guest Writer

Black History Month (BHM) is an inspirational month to celebrate the historical achievements born from the struggles of influential African American Civil Rights leaders such as Rosa Parks and Ida B. Wells.

Other timeless and compelling leaders also inspire us, such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston, as well as the melodic classical compositions of musicians such as Scott Joplin the jazzy tunes of Duke Ellington and the “Queen of Jazz” herself Ella Fitzgerald.

From the gentle and comforting poems of Maya Angelou to the 2008 inauguration of Barack Obama, the first African American president of the United States, history has been made.

Today, history continues to be made with Kamala Harris, the first female vice president of African American and Asian descent.

These are all renowned examples of African Americans who paved the way to further the journey toward civil freedoms, liberty and equality for all.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s influential speeches and

courageous ideals of equality and civil freedom during the 1960s were the predecessors to how African Americans can freely express their views today. His legacy continues to be impactful in the year 2021.

Dr. King’s contributions in the fight for liberty for all whose race and culture may not have been appreciated in the past is honored and celebrated throughout BHM today.

BHM and its precursor, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, are designated opportunities to serve and give back to the community in ways the Lord has inspired us to do. Our task should be to model Dr. King’s service by not only providing for the underprivileged in the community through volunteering, but also by allowing the voice of the underprivileged to be heard. These are all ways that we should uplift others and strive for true equity as well as equality for all races.

This endeavor does not have to last only one month out of the year.

It can inspire everyone to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and the unique compilation of other races that make up our society

throughout the year.

The appreciation of the contributions of every race should be the thread that holds our society together. As a first grader, I remember asking a girl if she would play with me on the playground during recess.

“I’m sorry,” she said, “but my dad won’t let me play with Black people.”

At the age of 6, it broke my heart to experience racism at such an early age.

Looking back at that experience today has only strengthened my belief in the equality that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., fought so valiantly for his generation and future generations to have.

It is important that we recognize the impact that Dr. King had during his lifetime. His great legacy of equality and civil freedom is now left for all of us to uphold. My hope is that in the future Dr. King’s sustaining spirit of civil freedom and equality gleams in the hearts and minds of future generations.

This hope is reverberated in one of Dr. King’s most famous quotes.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Bouquets of flowers, giant teddy bears, boxes of chocolates and colorful cards— these are the things that line the shelves in stores long before Valentine’s Day approaches. The holiday is highly commercialized, and for single people, it often seems that love is forced upon them in the months leading up to Feb. 14.

As a single person, I admit that it is easy to feel that way about the holiday. I often feel a tinge of sadness when I have to walk past a sea of red, pink and hearts in Walmart. But over the years, I have actually learned how to see the holiday in a different light.

When I think of Valentine’s Day, my mind goes to my favorite show: “Parks and Recreation.” If you are familiar with it, you know it is a hilarious series centered around a zany government office. You may be wondering what it has to do with Valentine’s Day. There are a couple of ideas from the show that have inspired me to get creative and celebrate the holiday a little differently.

One thing that singles can do on Valentine’s Day is celebrate friendships.

On the show, Leslie Knope throws an annual “Galentine’s Day” brunch with her close girlfriends on Feb. 13. I think that this is a great idea, and I have thrown “Galentine’s Day” gatherings with my friends in the past.

Whether it is brunch, lunch or dinner, Galentine’s Day is a perfect way to bring together lady friends. They can be single friends or friends in relationships, but the point of the day is to leave the boyfriends at home and celebrate

your gal pals. It can be a great way to catch up and not focus on romantic relationships for a while.

It does not have to be a girl thing. Guys can participate, too. I have also held a “Palentine’s Day” hangout with a group of guy and girl friends. You can tailor it to fit your friend group. The point is to celebrate meaningful friendships and to be surrounded by supportive people.

Another way to celebrate Valentine’s Day when you are single is to practice self-care. This is best exemplified on “Parks and Rec” through Tom and Donna’s annual “Treat Yo’ Self Day.” Every year, the pair goes on a shopping spree and treats themselves to fancy dinners and spa days.

While your budget may not allow for lavish spa days and highend shopping sprees, you can still treat yourself. Buy yourself some flowers, chocolates and maybe even a teddy bear. Buy that thing that you have been eyeing for a while. Treat yourself to your favorite meal. Spend a day relaxing and doing something that makes you happy. Go on a hike, get your nails done or read a book. Anything that you do to prioritize yourself will work. There are so many ways to practice self-love and self-care, and it can be very beneficial for your mental health. There is no rule that says you cannot be your own Valentine.

Whether you choose to celebrate friendships or yourself this year, it is possible to find joy in singleness.

Being single can be hard at times, especially when love and relationships are put on display for an entire holiday. However, it is important to love yourself before you can love someone else. There is joy in being single, and you are not alone in that. So, treat yo’ self.

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SPORTS COLUMN

Black athletes: Tearing down color barriers

BY JOHNATHON CALLUM Guest Writer

Most people think of Jackie Robinson when they think about the desegregation of sports. Robinson is famously known for being the first African American to play major league baseball in 1947 for the Brooklyn Dodgers. However, other pioneers, who are sometimes forgotten, came before and after him.

A few of these legendary people include Moses “Fleet” Fleetwood Walker, Joe Gans, John Baxter Taylor, Fritz Pollard, Jesse Owens, Alice Coachman, Althea Gibson, Ernie Davis, Willie O’Ree, Charlie Sifford and Arthur Ashe.

“Fleet” Walker is acknowledged by historians as actually being the first African American to play

in the major leagues in 1884. He was a catcher for the Toledo Blue Stockings. Walker also played in the minor leagues until 1889, when a color barrier was enforced and not broken again until Robinson’s debut in 1947.

Joe Gans was the first African American sports champion in 1902. He won the world Lightweight boxing title after beating defending champion Frank Erne with a knockout in the first round.

John Baxter Taylor was an American track and field athlete and the first African American to win an Olympic gold medal in 1908.

Fritz Pollard was the first African American to play in the Rose Bowl in 1916 and one of the first African Americans to play and coach in the NFL in 1920. He also organized the Chicago Black Hawks, an all-African American professional

team in 1928.

Jesse Owens is known for disproving Hitler’s myth of Aryan supremacy in the Berlin Olympics in 1936 by winning four gold medals and breaking five world records.

Alice Coachman was the first African American woman to earn an Olympic gold medal after winning the high jump event in the 1948 Olympics.

Althea Gibson was the first African American tennis player to win the Wimbledon in 1957 and the U.S Open in 1958. She is most known for breaking color barriers in tennis, but was also the first Black woman to join the LPGA. Ernie Davis was the first African American to win the Heisman trophy in 1961. This was a pivotal moment in the history of sports because it was the first time an African American had been publicly

acknowledged as the best player in a sport.

Willie O’Ree broke the NHL’s color barriers in 1958 when he signed with the Boston Bruins.

Charlie Sifford was the first African American golfer to join the PGA Tour in 1961 after they removed their “Caucasian-only” membership clause. He went on to win the Greater Hartford Open, the Los Angeles Open and PGA Seniors’ Championship.

Arthur Ashe was the first and only African American to win major tennis titles like the U.S. Open in 1968, the Australian Open, and the men’s singles at Wimbledon.

These African American athletes and others during their time faced stereotypes of who they were.

They not only had to understand the weight of their actions and power in their voice as an athlete in

society, but also the hope, inspiration and respect they held because of those who came before them.

The mental, emotional and physical pain those players dealt with can never be completely comprehended. There were times they could not sleep in the same hotel, eat, or travel with their teammates.

They also had teammates that loathed the idea of being on the same team with an African American person. Threats to them and to their families’s lives and the pure dehumanization they endured is unfathomable.

A quote from Robinson provides us with a small glimpse of the anguish, adversity and dehumanization African Americans faced while trying to desegregate sports.

“I’m not concerned with you liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.”