A WINK AT THE ANCESTORS
The sociological impact of Spizike's "Do The Right Thing"
A short story of Sports, Political consciousness, Hip Hop, Serenpidity & Love
The sociological impact of Spizike's "Do The Right Thing"
A short story of Sports, Political consciousness, Hip Hop, Serenpidity & Love
by Bah-Pna Dahane
After my studies at Portland State University (Oregon) and before taking a position as Sports Marketing Manager for Basketball at Nike France, I spent my summer reading 40 Million Dollar Slaves by William C.Rhoden, Randall Robinson The Reckoning: What Black Owe to Each Other, Web Dubois Soul of Black Folks, and some of James Baldwin’s writings. I knew I would eventually return to France, this beautiful country, which is still plagued by racism. Different than the United States, France’s racism is more subtle. French racism is like a gas you can’t smell but that will kill you slowly from the inside.
Being a natural born activist and politically conscious, I had the idea to create a basketball tournament. What many have seen as a simple basketball tournament was for me, a real political statement, but I did it in such a way that; only with time when you look back, you can realize the symbolism behind this tournament.
My goal was to engineer an event created by Blacks and operated by Blacks so we could have real black men-made event, without begging others to do it for us.
My goal was to engineer an event created by Blacks and operated by Blacks so we could have real black men-made event, without begging others to do it for us.
With Amb. Young, Carl & Cleve Lewis in Libreville, Gabon
Mr Stedman Graham a day before Nelson Mandela's burial in Qunu (Eastern Cape, South Africa)
South Africa, in December 2013 with my Euzhan and Steve Biko's last partner Mamphela Ramphele, few hours after Nelson Mandela was laid to rest in Qunu (Eastern Cape)
In 2003, I was going for a meeting at Paris Basketball with Mr. Philippe Morin, a former Nike France executive, who made sure that when he left the company, I would be the one to take over and to oversee the basketball operations. I still remember his phone call when I was at Portland State University “Bahps, I am leaving Nike and I was asked to choose who will take over my position and I told them you would be the best person”. To his surprise, I first replied, “Philippe, thank you, but I am not interested. I am sure many will be interested in the job, but for the moment I am not. I am well in the USA”.
Many times in my youth years, I refused to work for some French companies for their shortage of black people. I became extremely conscious through the movies 'Do The Right Thing" and Malcolm X by Spike Lee. In 'Do The Right Thing' the scene with Buggin'Out perfectly played by Giancarlo Esposito became a real wake up call.
Having worked for many French companies, every time I visited their headquarters, I felt the exact same way as Buggin'Out on this video above "where are Black people, besides the security guards?" – I wasn’t impressed by anything. You feel outraged when you are regularly referred as "you are a black but not like the other black". That statement means in France that you are the sell-out black actually! The one portrayed perfectly by Samuel L.Jackson in "Django unchained".
And trust me as a Black person, you fully understand the feeling of wanting to burn "the pizzeria".
And trust me as a Black person, you fully understand the feeling of wanting to burn "the pizzeria".
After seeing "Do The Right Thing", you can only be politically conscious.
NIKE RAID OUTDOOR...MORE THAN A SNEAKER
In Paris in 1997, playing against Tim Hardaway after the camp. Unfortunately, I can't find photos of Tim Hardaway Jr who was running all over the place, and his mom (on the far left) was pregnant at that time.
The commercial featured Tim Hardaway and most importantly for many of us who grew up with the knowledge of Marcus Garvey, we were proud that the pan-african colors were showing up on the Raid Outdoor sneakers. Growing up with conscious rap music, we blacks from the African diaspora living in France had a voice and we were able to back it up with the history lessons coming from rap artists like Public Enemy and their education song "Fight the power". In most schools in France, we weren't taught about our real history so these conscious rap artists influenced us to go to libraries in order to build and strengthen our pride as human beings and as people of black origin.
Two years after that first collaboration with Nike France, I received Nike’s endorsement of 15,000 francs and, being very politically conscious, I wanted this money to be paid to my organization, ROOTS. It was called Roots in memory of Alex Haley who wrote the movie Roots and the life changing autobiography of Malcolm X. Truthfully speaking I wasn't into Equal Opportunity Employment and I made it clear: I will hire and bring only Blacks, Arabs and Whites, but only if they were from the projects like most of us.
Omar Sy,who always supported our actions whenever he was available.
With my friend Philippe Morin, former Nike Basketball Executive in 2004 in New York, I made sure to bring him there and capture this moment on Malcolm X avenue with the big poster of Muhammad Ali.
I finally took this position because I wanted to bring a change in the French sports scenery. I wanted to see more black people at the front…
Public Enemy performing at the opening of the NMAAHC
THE KING KONG AESTHETIC &THE JUNGLE FEVER SYNDROME
THE KING KONG AESTHETIC &THE JUNGLE FEVER SYNDROME
Facing racism and colorism at an early age, and reading Malcolm X at 13 years old was a must to strengthen my pride as a black person. His readings were my ammunition. Rap back then was more like black history lessons when you spent your time listening to groups like Chuck D’s Public Enemy, Professor Griff, and KRS1. I took this position, because I wanted to bring a change in the French sports scenery. I wanted to see more black people at the front…
In the "Nike Raid Outdoor" commercial, as you can see filmmaker Spike Lee was promoting his movies: 'Do The Right Thing' and "Jungle fever'.
The impact of 'Jungle fever', and that was only our interpretation as Negroes from the France, lead us to come up with a 'No Dating White Girls' policy. It wasn't an anti-white female position at all, we learned to appreciate our own kind of black women and looking into becoming their shining Knights. We loved our black women curves, fierceness, elegance and all the shades from mocha skin tone to the sweet dark berry shade.
We succeeded with videos like Bobby Brown 'Every Little Steps', 'My prerogative', 'Don't be cruel' and so forth to make most white girls wanting to become black. Many were simply crying and begging us to date them. We were standing proud like King Mansa Musa, with our fierce looks "we don't date non-black women'.
It was interesting to see these young white ladies wearing braids, starting to wear some African fabrics inspired clothes, learning to cook African meals by befriending other black girls so they can put the good words for them so we could look at them. It was simply NO. Our standards were Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell and green-eyed Yoyo. It was "you either fit that standard or we don't look at you.
With Rap Artist YoYo in New York City, August 1995
That was just us and our wonderful and funny teenage years. We were kind a too full of ourselves and considered us like the eloquent title of Ellie Coetzee's book The Envy of the World. Please don't be stuck by title there is more to it.
A FRENCH SENSE OF HUMOUR... THE REALITY OF UNCONSCIOUS RACISM
Don't be surprised to see these kind of posters in Paris. Suprising, isn'it?
MY FIRST TIME WORKING FOR A BLACK BOSS
It turned out to be a great experience because it was Yao Ming’s first trip outside China. Since I was in charge of young athletes, I had to deal with finding a way to accommodate him.
On the left, Yao Ming's first trip outside of China. It was in 1997, in Paris at the Nike Euro Camp. He wasn't speaking a word of English, it was interesting to witness his evolution.
He was – and still is – simply too tall. Since everyone was supposed to be 2 or 3 per room, there was no other option than to have him sleep diagonally on the floor.
It was at this camp that every evening, we played pickup games against Tim Hardway. I still remember Tim Hardaway Jr. with his mom at the camp in Paris. It was at the same Nike Euro Camp that Tony Parker Sr. killed me in one on one. He’d told me in 1997, “You will see my son play in the NBA and he will be one of the best point guards.” Last year, I asked Tony Parker Sr., “How did you know your son would be one of the best point guards?” He simply replied, “I was just repeating what TP9 was telling me.”
Beaverton, Or in 2001 with Ralph 'Big Poppa' Greene and rookie Anthony William Parker
I want to give significance to holding this position. I often wondered what would be next after the Nike Raid Outdoor. In 2003, we held the second edition of the Nike Battleground tournament featuring Tony Parker. I like the player as an individual and athlete, but to me, he wasn’t portraying the street credibility that the company wanted him to have.
I had accumulated lots of experiences discovering the sports marketing industry. From the fun of translating the ads into French, coaching game as Jason Kidd assistant-coach and meeting finally Sir Charles Barkley. You'll found out more about Sir Charles later when I share about Angola.
Not a surprise that Jason Kidd is head- coach now. Interestingly enough to realize that the kid in the back had a #13 jersey!
One of he most interesting part of some of my assignements were to translate these ads from English to French prior to these NBA stars arrival to France.
I want to give significance to holding this position. I often wondered what would be next after the Nike Raid Outdoor. In 2003, we held the second edition of the Nike Battleground tournament featuring Tony Parker. I like the player as an individual and athlete, but to me, he wasn’t portraying the street credibility that the company wanted him to have.
I had accumulated lots of experiences discovering the sports marketing industry. From the fun of translating the ads into French, coaching game as Jason Kidd assistant-coach and meeting finally Sir Charles Barkley. You'll found out more about Sir Charles later when I share about Angola.
MY BRAINSTORMING PROCESS THAT BIRTHED THIS WORLD REKNOWN TOURNAMENT
During a meeting at the Nike headquarters in Hilversum (Netherlands), we talked about the future of basketball. We received this email from our big boss, Ralph “Big Poppa” Green. At the end of his email he mentioned, “Watch out for Africa”. He shared with me some stories about Hakeem Olajuwon in Nigeria and how tough it was to do things in Nigeria. Then, during some of my visits at the World Headquarters, I took the time to meet with the elders: Howard “H” White and Kevin ‘The Katalyst” Carroll and hear their words of wisdom. They often emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. “Don’t forget the community,” they said.
It took months to develop the tournament that would mark a generation. I was still reminiscing on the story of the architect who built the Nike Europe HQ at Hilversum. I was told that he said, “If birds come and stay here it means my construction is a success.” The truth is, when you visit the European HQ, you will see many birds on the grass. I don't recall the exact names of the birds species - not the #33 from "Do The Right Thing - but when you find these exact species there.
It took months to develop the tournament that would mark a generation. I was still reminiscing on the story of the architect who built the Nike Europe HQ at Hilversum. I was told that he said, “If birds come and stay here it means my construction is a success.” The truth is, when you visit the European HQ, you will see many birds on the grass. I don't recall the exact names of the birds species - not the #33 from "Do The Right Thing - but when you find these exact species there.
Adding to that Kevin “The Katalyst” Carroll’s book; What’s Your Rubber Ball + Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing and the basketball-inspired Urban Jungle, I knew I had to come up with something. I kept brainstorming for months.
One day, Mr. Philippe Morin and I were on our way to meet with the Paris Basketball team. We drove pass this wonderful basketball court in the very conservative city of Levallois. This basketball court reminded me so much of NY City. That’s when the light came on. I told him, “I must go back - I found something.”
I drove back to the same playground the next day and started taking pictures. I sat down and laid out all my inspiration. I started hand drawing certain logos, and I promised myself this tournament would be a success the day Jordan brand sponsors it. My only concern was that it had to be a black people owned tournament, so we could show the white establishment of sports authority, that we were more than just sneaker consumers with a bling-bling mentality. I made sure that the first sponsorship money would be from black owned companies, and the remainder by anyone who believed in the cause of Black excellence.
I reached out to my friend Kevin Venkiah, a black man of Indian descent from Mauritius Island. As many know, most east Indians from Mauritius Island came as slaves, and they mixed with the indigenous people. Therefore it was a must for me to start with French black-owned businesses. Once I gathered some sponsorship money, I could make sure that even if we didn’t have a brand behind us we would still be able to run the tournament.
I traveled first to New York and met with Mr. Gregory Marius from the legendary Rucker Park Tournament.
I asked him for his advice and how he made this tournament so legendary. I purposely avoided seeking any successful black people’s advice, so I could stay coherent with my mission. He shared many things but most importantly, “Stay true to yourself and they’ll follow!” At that time, I was inspired by the Karl Kani and the Fubu people, and told myself; we as French blacks, can do things by ourselves. I later became friend with Mohammed Dia, who made huge success in France with his clothing line. He was inspiring as well. He introduced me to one of his jeweler, who I asked to design a ring for the tournament. To me, this urban basketball tournament was a replica of the NBA Finals so the winners can go home with a ring as a reward.
I traveled first to New York and met with Mr. Gregory Marius from the legendary Rucker Park Tournament.
I asked him for his advice and how he made this tournament so legendary. I purposely avoided seeking any successful black people’s advice, so I could stay coherent with my mission. He shared many things but most importantly, “Stay true to yourself and they’ll follow!” At that time, I was inspired by the Karl Kani and the Fubu people, and told myself; we as French blacks, can do things by ourselves. I later became friend with Mohammed Dia, who made huge success in France with his clothing line. He was inspiring as well. He introduced me to one of his jeweler, who I asked to design a ring for the tournament. To me, this urban basketball tournament was a replica of the NBA Finals so the winners can go home with a ring as a reward.
Once I had gathered everything, I contacted the online basketball mecca :Hoopshype. There were the very first media to become our partner by promoting the event. I contacted Mr. Phippe Saint from the French Basketball Federation and Jackie Blancgonnet. Both were running a program called “Basketball en liberty” (free basketball) and I told them I was looking for someone who knew the hip-hop culture and who loved basketball, preferably a black person. Philippe Saint got back to me and told me he knew a player who was very well connected with the hip hop culture and I could come any time after 6pm at Porte de Choisy at the Hall Carpentier and he’d introduced me to him.
That’s how I met the guy. I decided to make him the front man. It was important to me that this tournament is directed by a black person. I developed and designed the whole concept and name itself. As of today, though, many still don’t know exactly why 54 and why quai and why Paris?
The answer is very simple. To me, it is to represent Africa. Africa has 54 countries and the quai, or pier or port in English, is where you leave one port to get to another one. So we are all connected, or interconnected if you prefer. For the tournament to be in Paris was extremely important for me. As many know, during the second world war, the capital of France was in Africa for some time. Black soldiers came from all ports to defend France from the tyranny of Nazism. Paris, Quai, 54 was more than just a tournament; it was my subtle way of making a political statement.
That’s how I met the guy. I decided to make him the front man. It was important to me that this tournament is directed by a black person. I developed and designed the whole concept and name itself. As of today, though, many still don’t know exactly why 54 and why quai and why Paris?
The answer is very simple. To me, it is to represent Africa. Africa has 54 countries and the quai, or pier or port in English, is where you leave one port to get to another one. So we are all connected, or interconnected if you prefer. For the tournament to be in Paris was extremely important for me. As many know, during the second world war, the capital of France was in Africa for some time. Black soldiers came from all ports to defend France from the tyranny of Nazism. Paris, Quai, 54 was more than just a tournament; it was my subtle way of making a political statement.
As a former tennis player, I was selected at 11years among the best players and was offered a 2-year tennis membership at the nearby tennis country club. I was 11 years old, the same year I discovered Nelson Mandela and the anti-apartheid movement. It wasn't easy to integrate a white dominated tennis club. I was the only black but since Yannick Noah showed us the way I was trying to excel in that sports. I was fortunate to meet Yannick Noah in 1986, who himself was discovered by Arthur Ashe, I picked up something from Yannick Noah. Being the only black kid at the tennis club, I will never forget the special attention Yannick Noah gave me. That day of 1986, when he left us he waved good bye to everyone, except me. He shook my hand, entered his car and winked at me before leaving.
Interestingly enough NY Knick Joakim Noah wears jersey #13
Being a big fan of Noah and Arthur Ashe, who died of HIV/AIDS in 1993, and Magic Johnson who revealed his HIV/AIDS status 2 years earlier. It was time for me to take actions and to get involved for the cause. That is why during the Olympics 2008 in Beijing in Yao Ming's country, I asked all the players of the Angola Basketball team to wear the wristband "I care" with the ruban in form of the African continent. From 1993 onwards, I was making sure that every action I will be taking as far as sports events will have a solidarity actions. As Howard "H" White and Kevin "The Katalyst" told me in 2000: "Don't ever forget the community".
At that during that game: USA vs Angola, in Beijing that I decided that Angola's next sponsor will be Nike. It happened that I had just ran into Coach George Raveling and at half time I went to see him about Angola and the rest is history.
Spike Lee, Thierry Henry and the Nike "Hyperdunk" Angola
Let's not forget that with the character of Mars Blackmon, Spike Lee perfectly embodies the statement that James Baldwin made in 1976:
" What the black actor has managed to give are moments - indelible moments, created, miraculously, beyond the confines of the script: hints of reality, smuggled like contraband into a maudlin tale, and with enough force, if unleashed, to shatter the tale to fragments"
Having the giving back spirit included into all my actions with my organization Roots, our first fundraiser was dedicated to raise funds so we can contribute to the Dikembe Mutombo call when in 2001 he announced he wanted to build a hospital in Congo DR.
Once again, I gathered all my folks and talked with our city Mayor that we as young blacks from the African diaspora must contribute to the cause.
We called that basketball SHARity event Slam Attitude. We didn't raise a lot, just 1500$ but we were happy to support with our little means our big brother Dikembe Mutombo. We contacted his foundation, after the event and send all the proceeds and were just proud to follow the elder's advice "don't forget the community"
Once again, I gathered all my folks and talked with our city Mayor that we as young blacks from the African diaspora must contribute to the cause.
Among all the people who inspired me to remain unapologetically African was my beloved sister and friend Mallence Bart-Williams, who did a lot in sports for Sierra Leone. Through her leadership, the German brand K1X had a full line of athletic gears for the Sierra Leone Basketball squad. With her influence, I had no choice than to follow in her footsteps.
When creating this tournament, I gave it 10 years. I was surprised it lasted longer. However, the fact that Michael Jordan was in France and didn’t attend, then Kobe Bryant had to cancel his presence due to a security reason essentially killed the continuity of this street tournament, which I hope will resuscitate.
I hope and pray that a new tournament will arise from this one and create a new momentum. A sort of Colin Kaepernick kind of consciously oriented sports events.
On the left, my debut as an amateur filmmaker in 1995, on the legendary West4th playground in NYC for my first documentary "Pass, Shoot & Slam: the global impact of US basketball" in 1995
My interview with Astor Chambers at the West Side YMCA in Manhattan,in July 1995
This tournament was first and foremost a celebration of Blacks at its best on the French soil. A country that owes its freedom to the bloods of blacks soldiers from Africa, America and the Caribbean.
Ironically Mr. Robert de Niro speaks with Mrs. Angela Bassett who portrayed Dr. Betty Shabazz in the "Malcolm X" bioptic by Spike Lee
THE SERENPIDITY OF #13
It was for a reason that the first edition of this tournament was on the 13th of July. July is an important month in France because on the night of the 13th there are fireworks to celebrate Bastille Day. But most importantly for me, 1+3=4. It also stands for the 4th of July, a day the United States celebrates. But what does this day really means for Negroes?
(July 14(1+4=5) stands for July 5th. For me, since it’s the day Frederick Douglas gave this speech on the meaning of July 4th for the Negro. Many will look at my findings as funny but it was my way of expressing my symbolism and every time the tournament took place in France I always had a smile because I was happy that the vision and marketing plan I wrote came in full effect).
One thing I can say is; it was purely coincidental that the first edition of the tournament took place in the year 2003. , the same year President Bush signed the bill to authorize the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
13 is the year the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture from the bill signing to its inauguration by President Barack H. Obama.
The symbolism here again is strong. 2013 was the year President Obama was sworn in for his second term as the President of the United States. A moment I was able to witness thanks to the generosity and kindness of Reverend Marcia Dyson.
(July 14(1+4=5) stands for July 5th. For me, since it’s the day Frederick Douglas gave this speech on the meaning of July 4th for the Negro. Many will look at my findings as funny but it was my way of expressing my symbolism and every time the tournament took place in France I always had a smile because I was happy that the vision and marketing plan I wrote came in full effect).
One thing I can say is; it was purely coincidental that the first edition of the tournament took place in the year 2003. , the same year President Bush signed the bill to authorize the creation of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
13 is the year the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture from the bill signing to its inauguration by President Barack H. Obama.
The symbolism here again is strong. 2013 was the year President Obama was sworn in for his second term as the President of the United States. A moment I was able to witness thanks to the generosity and kindness of Reverend Marcia Dyson.
John Legend playing during a church reception introducing the documentary The House we Live In a day prior to President Obama second inauguration.
It was the year of 2013 that she introduced me to Congressman John Lewis for the first time. That same year, 2013, in Soweto at Nelson Mandela’s funeral, I again met Congressman John Lewis and saw President Barack Obama and had a/the prophetic handshake with President Castro of Cuba.
Also in 2013, a day after the burial of Nelson Mandela in Qunu, I couldn’t believe that I found myself at a table next to Oprah Winfrey and Graham Stedman. Later, it was Forrest Whitaker’s turn and before leaving the hotel in the Hyde Park area of Johannesburg to board my flight to Paris, while walking by the pool, I met this woman whose face was familiar but I couldn’t remember her name. I told her, you look like someone I saw on TV? “Yes, I am Gayle King,” she responded. I told her if she was Gayle King and friend with Oprah she must know Rev. Marcia Dyson. And she replied in the affirmative. We took a selfie (to my ignorance, the first time I heard the term selfie was from Gayle King) and I sent it to Rev. Marcia Dyson…
On September 23th & 24th, when attending the official opening of the NMAAHC, I couldn’t believe that so many people I saw at Nelson Mandela’s funeral in 2013 were there too. All I could think of to say was thank you to the ancestors who I believe made me miss my flight on July 12th. Had I been on that flight, in direction of Nice for Bastille Day, I would have certainly been among the terrorist attack victims of July 14th. To be honest I was angry at the person that caused me to miss my flight but I end up being very grateful when I realized that because of that person I wasn't in Nice (French riviera) the day of the attack.
Since I missed my flight, I had to extend my stay. I believe this was because the ancestors have better options for me. In this way, I was able to witness history once again.
WHAT IF REST IN POWER MEANS THE DEAD ARE BUSY BECOMING ANCESTORS?
Since I missed my flight, I had to extend my stay. I believe this was because the ancestors have better options for me. In this way, I was able to witness history once again.
WHAT IF REST IN POWER MEANS THE DEAD ARE BUSY BECOMING ANCESTORS?
To me, it was heartwarming to see everything fall into place and how the ancestors’ spirits were at work.
24 September 2016 was the official opening ceremony and if we continue to play and have fun with the numbers,
2+4= 6 - The number of championships won by Michael Jordan
September = 9 letters, the jersey number Michael Jordan wore during the Olympics, which is as we all know, an international event.
2+0+1+6 = 9, the Michael Jordan's international jersey number ;-)
After exchanging some messages with Cecilia Rhode, she informed me she was heading to Chicago because she had a work project with Common. An hour later, when entering the hotel, I found myself face to face with Common. I told him, “I can’t believe you are in front of me. I was just chatting with Cecilia and she told me about you.”
As a Forrest Gump tale, I contacted Cecilia with this text, “I think it’s serendipity I just met your friend Common.” To our Glory, he had just left Ava Duvernay whose last documentary is “13th”
THE POWER OF LOVE & BASKETBALL (bonus story)
This year 2016, was the year the Toronto Raptors hosted the NBA All-Star Game and more precisely the 65th NBA ASG in February.
February 65 was the month and year Malcolm X was murdered.ANGOLA represents so much as far as my experience as an activist and a fierce proud son of Africa. It was in Angola, where rapper Fat Joe who nicknamed himself "King of Africa" agreed to record a song with young Angolan artist Malef.
My pay-back gift to Charles Barkley ;-)
Simply because Sir Charles Barkley was so disrespectful of Angola during the Olympics 1992, that I wanted to make sure he will swallow his words one day. But, let's stay positive if Sir Charles Barkley wasn't that horrible with Angola team I would have never thought about the pay-back.
A Queen Nzingah & The Power of Love
Since I decided to extend my stay in Washington DC so I won't miss the opening of the historical museum, I randomly ran after the lady that I fell in love with while living in Luanda. As in the tale of the Taj Mahal, I couldn't leave the country without earning her heart. We couldn't really communicate since we weren't speaking the same language, but the power of romance gives you more wings. She was the trigger that allowed me to go the extra mile. I had to achieve something for Angola. To stay near her, I had to find myself a justification. Drawing and sign language were our way of communicating. When I missed that flight on July 12th, 2016. I was trying to understand why is that happening. I looked at the sky and told the ancestors "stop playing tricks on me".
I credited this missing flight to the fact that something was waiting for me in Washington.
I didn't know what, but I decided to extend my stay and I traveled to Washington to wait for the opening of the museum. After nearly 5 years with no contact, I ran into Queen Nzingah in the nation's capital. We just laughed because it seemed unreal to meet that far. We couldn't believe we will meet again and certainly not in Washington DC.
Again, I shall commend Charles Barkley for being so rude about Angola. Seeing her again I was reminiscing the day I left Luanda (Angola), I offered her the Portuguese version of the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I wasn't sure we will meet again, and certainly not in the United States.
" If I am really a part of your dream, you'll come back one day.
Fatima to Santiago.
When you are in love, things make even more sense, he thought."
The Alchemist
One of the funniest encounters in Chicago. We weren't many black people at that conference in Chicago. We naturally looked at each other and she politely introduced herself as "Hi, I am Auma Obama". I laughed and replied "Trust me I read about you in Dreams from my father. I think you brother has an important position here in the US, right?"
To me, it's just some fun mixing the events with the numbers, but watching again at this Nike check to my organization Roots and the brainstorming of this simple basketball tournament, everything ends up falling into places.
To me, the way I envisioned this tournament and the fact that the determination of others who took over, made it such a way that Brand Jordan sponsoring it was an integral part of the brainstorming session I had: that even if I wasn't part of it anymore, it will be sponsored by Brand Jordan. I had that certainty since day one.
A street vendor in the streets of Luanda
When I left the picture of the event I created at the museum, I looked at the sky and winked at the ancestors.
... ... And about the serendipity of the number 13. Well, Howard "H" White's jersey number was #13...my good friend Kevin “Katalyst” was born on day 31 (13 reversed), my daughter was born on day 13, her first name contains 13 letters, and as Spike Lee said it so well "It's all about the shoes" and my shoe size is 13... Wink, wink again.
Last June in France, few months before the opening the NMAAHC I was fortunate to host a 19 years old project and honored to have Ndaba Mandela as host. This event focus was the legacy of the late Nelson Mandela and the opening of an exhibition on "Slavery and colonization".
1997 (sorry it's in French)
2016
Sharing that narrative and illustrating it with photos, is to encourage to dream big and practice what Shakti Gawain call creative visualization. As many kids back then, I dreamt at one point to play in the NBA but I came to the realization at 22years old that I was simply not good enough and moved on through accepting that I failed at achieving this dream.
The day, I skipped school to practice my jump shot on the playground, that day I met the Nike France executive, was a day I am kinda ashamed to talk about. Let's say it. As a day dreamer convinced that I will one day play in the big league, I dreamt the night before. I had a very clear dream in what I called my clear night. It's when I woke up that I realized it was a dream... Yes, that night I met Michael Jordan. It seemed so so real that we had a one-on-one game, that I naturally lost and he told me that I needed to practice before our second game. The second game dream never happened. So after all these years, the reason I skipped school that day was to get ready for the revenge. That's how silly we can be sometimes. I went to practice that day by myself, that lead to meeting randomly the Nike Executive, who came to duplicate Spike Lee's basketball court... Who knows what really happened and why this synchronicity?
In conclusion, all I can think of is what Paulo Coelho wrote in the Alchemist:
The day, I skipped school to practice my jump shot on the playground, that day I met the Nike France executive, was a day I am kinda ashamed to talk about. Let's say it. As a day dreamer convinced that I will one day play in the big league, I dreamt the night before. I had a very clear dream in what I called my clear night. It's when I woke up that I realized it was a dream... Yes, that night I met Michael Jordan. It seemed so so real that we had a one-on-one game, that I naturally lost and he told me that I needed to practice before our second game. The second game dream never happened. So after all these years, the reason I skipped school that day was to get ready for the revenge. That's how silly we can be sometimes. I went to practice that day by myself, that lead to meeting randomly the Nike Executive, who came to duplicate Spike Lee's basketball court... Who knows what really happened and why this synchronicity?
In conclusion, all I can think of is what Paulo Coelho wrote in the Alchemist:
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
...and make sure to check Nate Parker's "The Birth of A Nation"
Back in the 90's that's how we learned black history and were motivated to go to libraries and know more...through this kind of Hip Hop..
'...But then again I got a story
That's harder than the hardcore
Cost of the holocaust
I'm talin' 'bout the one still goin' on
I know...'
That's harder than the hardcore
Cost of the holocaust
I'm talin' 'bout the one still goin' on
I know...'
Thank You for your time reading and watching the video links. Thank you and know that feedback is always welcomed.
SPIKE LEE'S IMPACT ON MANY YOUNG BLACKS IS A GLOBAL IMPACT. IT'S GOTTA DO WITH MORE THAN JUST SHOES.
AS A PROPHET, HE WAS SENT BY THE ANCESTORS TO DELIVER A MESSAGE BIGGER THAN HIMSELF.
SPIKE LEE MADE NIKE BASKETBALL A REAL TREND, SPIKE LEE MADE JORDAN BRAND SUCCESSFUL THROUGH THE COMMERCIALS.
SPIKE LEE WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE THE BLACK CODE OF COMMUNICATION. HE WAS ABLE TO CAPTURE BLACK CULTURE AND TRANSLATED INTO COMMERCIALS. AND WE ALL KNOW BLACKS ARE NUMBER ONE TRENDSETTERS!
THAT'S HOW MOVIES AFFECTS AND BUILD A GENERATION UP: THE SPIZEIKE GENERATION
- BPD
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