Shani Davis Makes History

Octavio
February 18 2006, 4:14PM

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SHANI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My hero! He's inspired me to take crew more seriously.

Daryl
February 18 2006, 4:19PM

Oh Happy Day! It is amazing, that here in the 21st Century We are still making first; which is a testament to the sheer number of uncharted territories in the world we live in, or the fact that we as Black people are just now awakening to the diverse opportunities that we have before us. Opportunities, in which we are more than capable of dominating. What's next?: curling, Skateboarding, BMX, Cross country Skiing and President...Ahhhh! As far as the impish comments made by Mr. Hedrick...well, it reminded me of a spoil toddler in a room full of new toys, in walks the poor black kid for a play date and now he has to share the toys...toys that don't even belong to him.

D. D.
February 18 2006, 4:27PM

I think it's a shame for any Olympic event to be focused on because of a competitor's race. Shani Davis is asterling example of what can be done by any person with a dream, race or gender notwithstanding. The comments made be his "teammate" shows Hedricks lack of humanity, nothing more. Mr. Davis is a person to be admired and emulated. As a white, southern woman, I feel ashamed when someone like Hedrick opens his mouth. Thank you Mr. davis for believing in yourself and your dream. You and your mother are amazing people.

cmoney
February 18 2006, 4:55PM

Way to go Shani! What will the haters say now? "I was behind him all along"; "He represents the best of America", blah, blah, blah. Success is the sweetest revenge. I hope he rubs it in their faces.

Mike
February 18 2006, 5:02PM

This is a quote from a recent Associated Press article about Shani Davis and Vonetta flowers:

"Vonetta Flowers became the first black to win Winter Olympics gold at the Salt Lake City Games four years ago. She was a pusher on the two-woman bobsled team, someone who helps get the machine going and hops along for the ride.

Davis won this gold entirely on his own."

I'm extremely happy for Davis on his calculated, hard-earned victory in Turin. I hope, however, that Vonetta Flowers's place in Olympic history does not get reduced to someone whose gold medal victory was of lesser significance, just because she did not win it "entirely on her own." I'm afraid the media might undermine the value of Flowers' participation in her team's victory, because she supposedly JUST helped push along her team's bobsled and waited for her [white] teammate to do the rest of the job. The historical (and interracial, I might add) gold-medal win in Salt Lake in 2002 would NOT have been possible without both female bobsled olympians.

Both Flowers and Davis have demonstrated for Americans, of any race or gender, different ways to making athletic achievement: through collective effort or by individual commitment. Davis did, however, think about other American speedskaters when he withdrew from the teamskate. One of them now had a chance to compete in the Olympics, especially since they did not qualify for singles.

Perry
February 18 2006, 5:08PM

Kudos to Shani! His decision to focus on his race is vindicated by his win. I hope he savors it. With regards to Mr. Hedrick, I would expect such behaviour from a Texas redneck.

D. D.
February 18 2006, 5:14PM

I think it's a shame for any Olympic event to be focused on because of a competitor's race. Shani Davis is asterling example of what can be done by any person with a dream, race or gender notwithstanding. The comments made be his "teammate" shows Hedricks lack of humanity, nothing more. Mr. Davis is a person to be admired and emulated. As a white, southern woman, I feel ashamed when someone like Hedrick opens his mouth. Thank you Mr. Davis for believing in yourself and your dream. You and your mother are amazing people.

Kenrick
February 18 2006, 5:23PM

I'm overjoyed at the gold medal achievement of Shani Davis. It represents victory for all Americans especially African Americans who once again demonstrate that they can achieve the best with hard work and dedication. Ignore the haters and continue to shine Shani! Way to go Bro!!!!!

Nancy Y
February 18 2006, 6:52PM

I am so happy for Shani Davis. First, because he won the gold, second, because he held fast to his dream, and did it his way.

What is Chad Hedrick's problem? Stop criticizing Shani for wanting to be fresh and strong for his race for his gold.

It's easy for Hedrick to criticize. His gold medal came before the team competition.

Congrats Shani! You've made Chicago and the U.S. so proud.

donna
February 18 2006, 6:53PM

Shani Davis followed his dreams and aspirations and is to be commended for it. He did the US proud.

Kenneth Winfrey
February 18 2006, 7:37PM

Hendrick's attitude is that of a self-absorbed person who always has to "win." These kind of people have to "first," the "best," or the most at whatever they do. They are selfish and often expect those around them (in the name of "teamwork) to make unreasonable sacrifices to ensure their personal success. I have had people like that around me, and sometimes let them get away with it when I didn't have the self-esteem to claim my own victories the way Davis did.

Davis gets two gold medals, as far as I'm concerned: one for speed skating, and another for having the courage to be free to succeed on his own terms.

mbubby
February 18 2006, 7:40PM

What did Hedrick say?

Don Silborski
February 18 2006, 7:42PM

I am white yet want to congratulate Shani for his victory. Though I don't agree with the sentiment myself, I always thought that we in the US are supposed to strive to be number one at all costs. Aren't we supposed to put the individual first? Isn't that how capitalism works? Shani just did what every good little American is supposed to do, and now he gets criticized for it.

Funny thing is, no one is criticizing Hedrick (who by all accounts IS a decent guy otherwise) for being selfish for wanting 5 gold medals.

People are also overlooking the fact that Shani has NEVER done the pursuit. Maybe if he had stepped in and done it, all of the skaters who HAD done this event would step in and claim unfairness.

These critics also fail to neglect that Shani had a hard autumn in which he nearly accomplished the remarkable feat of making both long and short track teams.

Congratulations to a good person accomplishing a challenging feat! Good job, Shani.

mbubby
February 18 2006, 7:57PM

Don,

Capitalism is a tad more complicated than an athletic event. It is the dominant and most successful economic system in the world.

As far as what good little Americans are supposed to do...I think helping out the American Olympic team win a medal in the team pursuit would be a good start.

It's American Gold, whether he likes it or not.

phd2b11
February 18 2006, 7:58PM

Kudos to Shani once again!!!!!!

KL Simmonds-Cobb
February 18 2006, 8:27PM

Congratulations to Shani Davis for winning a gold medal.

Here's a nice little quote from that great all-American "team player" Chad Hedwick (regarding today's 1000m skate):

"Once Shani beat me, I didn't care if I got a bronze," he said. "I'm here to win. It's all or nothing."

But Shani's the selfish one for not wanting to compromise his chances at an individual event? He was supposed to put his goals and aspirations on the back burner to help prop Chad up in his quest to achieve 5 gold medals and to get on the Wheaties box?

Whatever.

When it was all about Chad and his quest to get those 5 gold medals, it was okay. It was all about HIM, HIM, HIM and I didn't hear anyone whining about his selfishness.

Enjoy your gold medal Shani.

Nyah Molineaux
February 18 2006, 8:56PM

I am so glad that Shani won the gold medal. He is just another shining example of the strength of our black people.

mbubby
February 18 2006, 9:12PM

Yeah, he's a real rold model.

That's very sad.

KL Simmonds-Cobb
February 18 2006, 9:28PM

mbubby, is Chad Hedwick a "rold [sic]model then?" He's already demonstrated that he's neither a good sport or a team player. So that does leave him as a role model?

Don Silborski
February 18 2006, 9:33PM

mbubbly,

I am a doctoral candidate in Economics and likely have forgotten 100 times as much about capitalism as you've ever known.

But you're missing the point. I'm not using this gentlemen's blog to lecture on economic "systems." Invoking capitalism in this context was perfectly appropriate, and its complexity irrelevant. Like it or not, the framers of the constitution were not at all interested in the greater glory of the USA (they were, in fact, trying to get away from those sorts of archaic European attitudes that, sadly, ended up giving us Hitler and Mussolini). They were interested in the INDIVIDUAL! People are criticizing Shani Davis for putting his own needs first, yet this is, in fact, the American way, and is the engine behind your beloved laissez-faire economics. No ifs, ands or buts.

The fact is, Shani Davis is being criticized for not racing in an event that he had NEVER PARTICIPATED IN before! One-every-four-year fans like you make me sick. You have no idea what Shani does on the circuit year-in, year-out. ALL you know is that another gold-medal American speedskater accused him of not helping the team (and hence the country) and you allowed yourself to get worked into a brainwashed lather over it. You know nothing about Shani Davis! Why is nobody making these accusations about Joey Cheek, the silver-medalist today. Couldn't he have helped, too? (I've nothing against Cheek, by the way, and applaud his donations to Darfur)

Shani Davis is a sweet-natured, hardworking individual who came close to doing something no other speedskater has ever done before (qualify in short and long track) and overcame incredible odds to get where he is. I celebrate his victory.

mbubby
February 18 2006, 10:14PM

"I am a doctoral candidate in Economics and likely have forgotten 100 times as much about capitalism as you've ever known."

I'm so impressed that you are a candidate for a degree in econ...I've probably lost and gained more money in daily transactions than you have in college loans.

"They(Framers) were interested in the INDIVIDUAL!"

Wrong Dr. Siborkian. They were interested in building a country with a limited government that had checks and balances, which protected INDIVIDUAL rights.

That is beside the point. You are correct in stating that your economic comparison is faulty. Your political comparison is just flat our wrong and illogical.

The fact is that Hedrick skated the team event and Davis did not. I hope he wins another medal for the US. He absolutely should have skated in the team event for his country.

As the Seinfeld episode states, "no soup/wheaties box for you."

Octavio
February 18 2006, 11:21PM

It's definitely refreshing to see intellectual debate in these posts, but drawing water from a rock is probably easier than some of the parallels that have been forced in comparing Shani's decisions and accomplishments. What is missing from these parallels though is the fact that "our" Founding Fathers never had people like Shani Davis in mind when they designed "our" constitution. Try as we may, but three plus centuries later we still have a society that is resistant against people that look like Shani Davis.
Mbubby says that Davis should have did it for "his" country. It's an amazing concept, because more often than not I find it difficult to take pride in a country where driving while black is a crime (and I can say that because I am a repeated offender), where we are incarcerated at more than 4x our percentage of the US population, where I can sit in a classroom at an Ivy League institution and be the only black out of 150 students, where Hurricane Katrina is still an issue 6 months later.
With that said, and pardon my Italian (since where in Turino), but WHAT THE FUCK SHOULD SHANI CARE ABOUT A COUNTRY THAT DOESN'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT HIM?! When he won the 1000m, it wasn't for the USofA, it was for Shani mu-tha-fuckin Davis. It was for all the dynamic bullshit he has had to face as a black man who dared to be different - a journey that American patriots will never understand. Call Davis selfish, but who does he owe for HIS talent? Who should determine how he uses HIS talent? Oh that's right! America should! He owes America this much! He should be grateful to represent a nation that provides so much for him! Give me a break...no...give Shani a break.

yowza
February 18 2006, 11:22PM

Nice interview Davis.

What a jerk.

Brother12
February 18 2006, 11:40PM

I am so proud of what Davis has accomplished. And so ashamed of his behavior.

Davis has spent years coming into his own and showing how the U.S. Olympic establishment treats athletes of color.

In one night, he won gold...and proved that all the haters and doubters have a point. Davis came off looking like the selfish jerk.

Yusuf
February 18 2006, 11:48PM

Hedrick is a racist asshole. Props out to Shani! Way to represent!!

Perry
February 18 2006, 11:49PM

Yikes! I just caught that post-race interview with Shani Davis. His aloof, arrogant manner was inappropriate, period. In that brief 30 seconds, I reflected on his gold medal win, what he could have stood for to so many people, how he could have proven all the naysayers and critics wrong, and finally found myself simply saying, so what?

1000M
February 18 2006, 11:51PM

After seeing his stellar ability to answer a few questions, I couldn't agree more. You’re at the Olympics (world stage), not the streets of Chicago, Davis. Get a freaking clue.

Yusuf
February 18 2006, 11:55PM

And another thing, with all the badmouthing he got, who would expect Shani to have a big toothy grin after he won - that cracker Hedrick essentially was the one who got this whole thing started by making his asinine comments. I guess "some people" wanted to see a good ole' fashioned watermelon smile (and perhaps some shufflin') from a grateful negro. LOL!!!

Shani
February 19 2006, 12:07AM

Since I might have a hard time "shufflin'" on ice maybe you could Yus'er.

yowza
February 19 2006, 12:18AM

My advice Sani is the next time you see your mother....run as fast as you can.

The chip on your shoulders she taught you probably cost you 20 million in endorsements.

norge
February 19 2006, 12:18AM

the rest of the olympic athletes are laughing at how petty it all is. . . good for shani. did anyone else notice the italian journalist who covered the story on the olympics Website? apparently there's nothing wrong with saying "coloured".

the media could have framed all of this differently by simply stating that shani was not asked before the olympics, nor was there ever any plan for him to be in the relay. that simple.

shani should have been more gracious for the interview, though. it's a responsbility every world class athlete has, he shouldn't be given an excuse for that.

KL Simmonds-Cobb
February 19 2006, 12:21AM

Yes, the post-win interview that NBC showed a terse Shani. But the interviewer(blonde woman - don't remember her name) interviewed him in a combative way, as if she were trying to bait Shani into keeping the controversy going.

If you notice right after he won, he skated around a bit, smiling and shaking some hands. He was happy about winning.

But her statements/questions like, "This is the first time we've seen a smile out of you," and "Are you angry, Shani?" were deliberate attempts aimed at provoking a rise out of him.

Plus, I wouldn't be surprised if he were guarded, so as not to make any statements that would add "fuel to the fire" of the current controversy.

Several articles written after the post-race press conference have mentioned his contented manner, in which he spoke happily about his childhood, the significance of him winning, him wanting to be the best at what he does regardless of his race, focusing on working and training hard, and his feelings regarding the gold medal win. He even stayed past the allotted time to talk with the media.

NBC is really trying to stoke this controversy and it's annoying me greatly.

It doesn't really matter that people think he's an arrogant and terse a-hole (as I've seen so graciously stated). He's still a champion, a gold medal winner - and no one can take that away from him.

George
February 19 2006, 12:28AM

Shani, your best revenge is to cash in on the endorsements that can be yours, but the capitalist markets want people to endorse their products who are likeable. Why do we love Muhammad Ali and not Larry Holmes? Attitude, and I don't think anyone will every accuse Ali of shufflin' anywhere or giving a toothy watermelon smile. Shani, do yourself a huge favor, or do it for your mother who has fought for you her entire life. Learn from your friend Apollo. Think of interviews and talking to the press as a job. Be cordial. Endear yourself to the public and earn as much money as you can! Don't throw away this opportunity because you are angry. You will someday regret it.

norge
February 19 2006, 12:28AM

i agree with you to some extent, kl, but journalists do that sort of provoking to everyone. . . no matter what the story. i can understand more than anything, shani probably hasn't had media training. . ..maybe keith could give him a few pointers. . . we don't want shani missing out on any opportunities cuz of a tendency to wear his feelings on his sleeve.

norge
February 19 2006, 12:33AM

by the way, there was another piece of history made in the winter olympics this year by my friend, Robel Teklemariam. he was the first Ethiopian to compete in the winter games. he grew up mostly in the states, we had a send off for him in harlem. it doesn't matter that he placed 84th out of 99, either. . .there have been plenty of athletes echoing the sentiment that it's not all about the gold. . .

Yusuf
February 19 2006, 12:34AM

Hey George - why don't you crack a history book and see how much America "loved" Ali back in the day - such as when he took a stand against the Vietnam War & the draft. The ignorant people on this board are pathetic. And how many black athletes even the "good & nice" ones getting big endorsement deals - give me a break!

Jamie
February 19 2006, 12:44AM

The bottom line is a great athlete did what he set out to do. Whatever happens after-happens. This a a very proud and strong young man. I predict he will determine his future with grace and dignity.

norge
February 19 2006, 12:45AM

so is shani family? he did have a bonnie blair sweathshirt. ..

Jim
February 19 2006, 12:46AM

Call me dumb, but I don't understand the whole hype about the race of Shani Davis. I've had the opportunity of growing up (26 years old) figuring out that you have good and trash in any race/color/ethnicity/etc... Call me a liar, say their can be no equality in America - blah blah blah - flat out I believe the US is the greatest country in the world - is it perfect? No I did not say it was perfect. If I didn't believe this was the greatest country I would move to a different country.

What's sad is the extent and emphasis people put on race. I don't think of Michael Jordan as a great "black man" - I think of him as a great basketball player. I don't think of Mike Ditka as a great "white man" - I think of him as a great football coach (I've heard rumors he even used to play football).

The sad thing about the whole Shani Davis deal that I saw tonight watching the Olympics was that here is a guy that has busted his butt his whole life to achieve being the best, he becomes the best in a world spotlight - and he acts ticked off about it. What's up with that? That interview was flat out pathetic - black white indian hispanic christian muslim hindu buddhist - I don't care - you've just achieved something no one can touch for 4 years - show some emotion. People perceive you to be a jerk when you do stuff like that - maybe you are the greatest guy in the world, but that was Shani Davis first perception to millions of people and they won't have a good first image of him. Want to make a personal statement? Great - go for it - just remember you have to deal with the consequences. Don't complain about lack of sponsorship when you effectively flip the bird to the world - that applies to any person - not just Shani.

About the whole training in Canada thing - you go where you can get the best training - if he likes training in Canada that is cool. I don't think people should question his nationality based on where he trains. If that kind of theory holds we'd get Celine Dion since she performs in America.

It seemed like the only human aspect to everything was his putting on a White Sox ball cap - I don't care who or what you are - if you are from the South Side you are proud of the World Champs. That made me smile.

The whole debate between Hedrick and Davis - that is something that has been taken too far. Calling Hedrick a racist is unfair - calling Davis a selfish brat is unfair. What is fair is calling out two people who wanted different things and jabbing at each other in front of a world audience. The coaches should have put a stop to it - TV shouldn't have hyped it. What Hedrick said was in poor taste, how much of it TV reported was in poor taste, and how Davis acted was in poor taste. Their was no winner in bringing squabbles into public view - it only diminishes the accomplishment that happened (Davis kicking butt in an event).

Personally - so far this year it seems like the snowboarders are happier then heck to be in the Olympics and are having a great time. I don't know what it is, but I like to see people smile after a competition - they seem thankful to be there. I think both Shani Davis and Chad Hedrick have lost sight of that thankfulness to be able to do some that millions can only dream of.

That is just my opinion.

George
February 19 2006, 12:48AM

Yusef, we are not living "back in the day", we are living now, at least a lot of us are trying to do that. You harm us all when you insist on dwelling "back in the day", and insulting those with whom you disagree simply reflects poorly on you. Those of us who admire Shani and what he has accomplished are simply trying to give him positive advice and support. That is all.

Brian A Berger
February 19 2006, 12:52AM

I really wish the media would shut up. Shani won the gold because he was the best. What erks me about Hedrick is he did not even clap for his fellow countryman.

When Shani did not race in the team event, it was his choice, it was not like he promised and then backed out.

What I have to ask is whom is making a bigger deal out of it hedrick or the media.

The interview that chick from NBC did with Shani, you could tell Shani did not want to be there. I loved the expression Shani showed, it was like STFU and lets end this thing.

Shani, here is to you winning your other events, and if for some Hedrick wins the 1500, show him you are a bigger man than he is, but please dont let him beat you

Good Luck

Yusuf
February 19 2006, 12:58AM

And George, your ingnorance reflects poorly on you. Shani does not need your "advice." My point was that your remark about Ali (and just about everything else) was inaccurate. I'm not hung up on injustices in the past - there's plenty of that right now to deal with. And generally the only people talking about "getting past" something are the same one's who have never had to deal with it in the first place.

mbubby
February 19 2006, 1:00AM

Fantastic interview Davis.

Now, go to your room. No PlayStation for 1 week.

Punk.

Yusuf
February 19 2006, 1:06AM

It also occurs to me that Hedrick, in addition to being the Texas cracker trash that he is, is also a hypocrite; he won a gold (go figure) in one event, gets all the pub, then because Shani has the sense to not risk HIS shot at the same, Hedrick lets his sick thoughts out of the closet and has the nerve to talk about team. When a black man is focused and intense - he's arrogant. When it's a white person .... they're just focused and intense.

norge
February 19 2006, 1:06AM

they didn't like johnny wier either for his lack of grace in giving interviews. . . wier came off like a bitter little queen. ..

now the men's 1500m will be the most watched event in the U.S. out of all the winter olympic events. personally, i've lost interest in most of the U.S. atheletes exactly because of so many bad attitudes. bode miller is another one. what a cocky dick.

i think that red headed snow boarder was the best attitude so far.

Thor
February 19 2006, 1:20AM

Shani did an incredible thing winning the Gold Medal. His performance was flawless and beyond dispute by anyone who witnessed it! Perfect form and uncompromising speed that was simply a joy to watch. But here's the thing...It didn't feel like it was for the USA, rather for Team Shani Davis. When you enter the Olympics, you're representing your country ( as well as yourself, or course). I've been so proud of ALL medal-winning atheletes from the US in both winter and summer games no matter what their ethnicity (going back to Jesse Owens in 1936...earliest athelete I can remember reading about). But I nhave to say that Shani left the "worst taste in my mouth", and I'm hard pressed to say that I'm proud that he's from my country. It's great to want to be the best at something and work so hard to get there, and there's several world championships that can help you accomplish this, but when you sign up to be a member of the US Oylmpic Team it should mean you're also representing your country and the sportmanship that is part that. I'm happy for Shani that he won and I hope it changes his life for the better because of it, but it's embarrasing to me as a US citizen as I'm sure it is to many others that he can't demonstrate and show the qualities of both a US OLYMPIAN and a gold medal winner.

mbubby
February 19 2006, 1:24AM

Yussuf,

The most ironic thing on this board is that the only person using racial terms is you...you refer to a white guy as a cracker, but if somebody called Davis a negroe or worse you would be the first one crying in your lost wheaties.

I think you need to go read some Danish cartoons.

J White
February 19 2006, 1:47AM

[Comment deleted for inappropriate remarks.]

chica
February 19 2006, 1:55AM

Congrats to Shani!

And for those who think he's selfish, I think it should be pointed out that he didn't want to knock off his teammates who were in the Olympics purely for the pursuit. That stupid asshole Chad Hedrick was mad only because this loss snapped his hope of five gold medals (which, in reality, never existed because Shani would've kicked his ass in the 1000 anyway). Who's the selfish one now?

All you losers who call Davis un-American need to get over yourself. You all personally did nothing for him. Unless they're in hockey or curling, people come into the Olympics to improve for themselves. Medals just happen to be counted by the country. It's easy for Hedrick to be all "American" when he's being portrayed as the victim. In reality, he's only looking out for himself.

Really, that asshole Hedrick and all of you who bash Shani really need to fall in a ditch.

Again, congrats to you, Shani! Don't let these fools spoil your party.

Alfred
February 19 2006, 2:36AM

Thor,

Your comments really struck a chord with me. I have been thinking about them and the awful NBC interview with Shani, and I think I have figured out essence of the matter:

When you win a medal for your country, your team, your favorite charity, or even your God, you have the joy of both receiving and giving. But if you are truly competing for just yourself and no one else, then winning is not a particularly joyous event, since you have no one to share your victory
with. I think the interview exposed Shani's feelings: while he was satisfied in beating the world, there wasn't a lot of joy there.

JRA
February 19 2006, 2:51AM

I just saw the attempted interview with Shani Davis by the NBC sportscaster after he won the 1000m speed race. It was disturbing to say the least. For whatever reason he acted like a real jerk. I hope the only box he gets his face plastered on is a box of kitty litter!JRA

VanJoe
February 19 2006, 4:12AM

Not to forget Jarome Iginla who won gold as part of the Canadian Hockey team at the 2002 Olympics either.

Michael-Vincent Crea
February 19 2006, 4:25AM

19 February 2006
2:43 am

Peace to All!

Let the snowman or snowwoman able to withstand the crucible of 'colorism' and corporate media
canibalizing profits and persons of color, now, overcome by Mr. Shani Davis' historic skating achievement, [along with his mother, coaches and training team] throw the first snowball under the heat of the lights, camera and actions of very antagonistic authorities and unseen audiences, herein, and elsewhere.

Most would have already melted under far less fire, having our dreams go up in smoke after having hurtful names, unjust judgments, irrational
punishments put upon us by parents, teachers, officials, simple bullies: basically pained people scourging blame on the backs of others with scars and burdens they would neither be able to bear nor burden by themselves.

I'm like to share some thoughts already shared
previously, yet, bear mentioning again, because
Shani Davis's feat forbears the future goals of
many other of OUR gifted children, as his victory
'today' has already made America and OUR world better than it was yesterday, like no other athlete at these 2006 Torino Olympics, because he is the FIRST BLACK, AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN to achieve what he achieved in THIS context [I think
Hannibal had a few able men crisscrossing and conquering the Alps at other'olympic'events].

I "do not throw pearls before swine," however, I
hope as someone learning the ropes of responsibly
representing my own remarks on websites, that some
posters may not supplant the screen as a 'white hood,' or think you can put either Shani Davis, his family or other posters in your 'sights' and then expect others to respect, respond or treat seriously you, as having something to say when your speech betrays any belief of human beings having human rights by birthright, truly equal with "liberty and justice for ALL!"

We have a long way to go and much to learn:
as the mental illness of being 'white,'
'whiteness' and 'white privilege' or 'supremacy' shall surely melt as snow in the Sahara, if one's soul is born, herein, on an equal par with equanimity with other posters. Otherwise, one is an imposter that the screen doesn't hide but fully exposes in 'black & white', only leaving oneself more hurt and hamstrung by one's own reckless racist rhetoric, crippling conversation!

Rather than point fingers, I wrote the second note
three days ago directing my anger and affirmations
directly where the source of our current NBC Sports' 'colorism' is creating and exacerbating inequities among the athletes, the audience and the 'many peoples, one race' of humanity that the Olympics is meant to serve with peace, harmony, justice and equity: the last must come first for
the first to last!

First, however, I apologize to Shani Davis for us,
herein, having maybe to get our acts together; yet, perhaps that is the first blessing to come from this crisis, that is crossroads, that we can
give him [like his friend Apolo Ohno had to have] the distance, time and space to adjust and to learn how deal with professional, first-time and ongoing pressures, as well, as a public and press pre-occupied with living vicariously through our
celebrities, since we have lost the confidence to
work on OUR own ways to serve and to be leaders
with OUR own neighbors and 'colorism' challenges.

HERE'S TO YOU, SHANI DAVIS, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST:

RAISE A FIST FOR BLACK POWER! DAVIS DEFEATS CRITICS AS THE 'GOLD COAST' IS FREE IN SAILING ON HIS OWN SELF-DETERMINED COURSE INTO DESTINY & A SPEED-SKATING HISTORIC VICTORY!

[Comment edited for length...Please keep all comments to a reasonable length.]

Ms Manners
February 19 2006, 6:33AM

This is too funny for words. I am a jurnalist student and that interviewer was baiting Shani. It was already know among those close to him that he received loads of racist insults on his email. So for her to ask him to acknowledge the conflict generated by Hendrick was like the icing on the cake of ridiculous. I have heard journalist on Olympic ice state how they missed the scandals and controversy. Besides that tweeking fiasco by that female snowboarder, here is another stick for the fire. Hedricks is biased. He is from the neck of the woods where they still like to lynch people if they could get away with it. I KNOW. So before anyone speaks be sure to know what your talking about.

mbubby
February 19 2006, 7:27AM

Ha journalism student. To be a journalist you have to be able to be objective or at least somewhat hide your prejudices.

If you insist upon being a journalist I suggest you start sending resumes to Marvel comics.

The NBC interviewer gave Sani Davis every opportunity to act like he had some class. There was none to show. It is obvious that Davis has serious mental issues.

Trish
February 19 2006, 7:49AM

Congratulations to Shani Davis, winner of gold and path maker for youngsters! Whether you are black, white, yellow or blue...this young man worked his tail off despite odds. He reached his childhood dream and no one can take away his pride, dedication to the sport and gold medal to prove it! Shani Davis is not in Italy to make sure anyone else wins a record number of medals; he is not in Italy to make sure there is media hype...Shani Davis is in Italy to live a dream; be the best he can be (and proved he is) and to show the world of youngsters (and adults) what hard work and love of sport can do! I congratulate Shani Davis and wish him the stars!!

Angelia
February 19 2006, 8:26AM

I feel so ashamed because I never knew this brother was competing in the Olympics. I guess that's because he has not had the same positive hype as that Appolo guy or Hedrick. Why is it when we compete, African Americans, the media wants to make it so controversial. Shani has tried to focus on his career like any other athlete, why the hate. No athlete totally competes for just their country, its about fame and fortune and there is nnothing wrong with that. I'm sure sure Hedrick wanted those five metals so he could be on the front of a Wheaties box. Like I said there's nothing wrong with that, but for those pompous athletes who posture and claim they are so proud to represent their country, they are also hoping their win will be lucrative. Sorry for rattling on, I wanted to say Shani I'm proud to have you represent us, keep your head up brother and I hope the endorsements will come for you the way I know they will for Hedrick, its only fair you are a winner.

daryl
February 19 2006, 10:27AM

Alot of people are saying that Shani should be ashame of himself, and that he is a jerk. I think that in this country we should stop expecting athletes to be anything more than just that. His job was to go out there and win a gold medal as a speed skater. Mission accomplished. It is up to us as a community to respond to greatness in the ways that it was intended. Yes, we need hope, a guiding figure, a hero, dare I say a role model, but guess what this time it is not a speed skater named Shani, nor a rapper or a basketball player. Congrats to Shani for opening a new door for black people, but lets not put the weight of the entire race on his shoulders while he is walking through.

Texas76132
February 19 2006, 10:55AM

Congrats to shani!

He pursued his dream and made it. That's whats life's about. You have one life, so do the best you can with it and notlook back and say woulda coulda shoulda. As for his team spirit, he knew both he and team USA would be better off if he were to relinquished his spot to someone who could devote more time it. There were and are plenty of people qualified, ready, willing, able, and wanting to fill his shoes. There was no harm done so what's the big deal. Sorry Chad Hedrick fans, but your golden boy wasn't good enough to get a metal at all; even Joey Cheek beat him (oops), not to mention the three others who also beat him (ouch). Oh, well, that's life. I can't believe Mr Hedrick hasn't figured out that the world doesn't revolve around him and the Olympics weren't made specifically for him to add five more metals to his trophy case. Now that this crybaby had won his first gold, maybe he can't stop pouting like a child and proudly congratulate his teammates for placing first and second the way a true team member would. What a spoiled brat and sore looser. I won't be eating any Wheaties with face face on the picture.

Jason
February 19 2006, 11:17AM

I've been conflicted about this whole Davis vs. Hendrick thing since it was announced. My main question is why do some in the media feel it is okay for Davis to weaken his chances at his dream for Hendrick to achieve something Eric Heiden did all on his own and without a team event. It really is asking too much of an athlete to sacrifice a dream for you're own, and Hendricks comments were not sportsmanlike.

Anyways this is an individual sport; to me it seems a lot like track and field. If the team pursuit is kept for future competitions it should be moved to the end of the competition much like the 4x100 and 4x400. If the 4x100 or 4x400 were in the middle of a high school or college competition very few teams would run because those are 4 people that could gain points individually and increase the chances of doing better. Asking the same of speedskaters (who don't even train together) does not make sense.

Shani's "interview" is what caused me the most conflict because everyone is saying he's arrogant and greedy (plus arrogance means a superiority complex and he worked hard and is enjoying the fruits of his labor, the gold wasn't guaranteed and he knew with the team pursuit it would be harder to achieve).

To me he came off distant and uncomfortable, and considering the drama earlier with Hendrick (which still continues) that should be expected. He doesn't seem like the person that wants to be a big star and the center of attention and all the drama and inflation by the media hasn't made him more comfortable. If anything the drama has given someone who was reclusive to begin with even more reason not to embrace the spotlight.

No matter what, I'm proud of his accomplishments and his sticking to his dream and being a role model in his private life to many children through volunteering.

And how do you answere the question, "How does it feel to be the first African-American/Black to _______" with out feeling regret that things still are not equal?

cmoney
February 19 2006, 11:20AM

NBC should be glad that Shani even gave them a 5 minute interview. He refused to even speak with them for one of their boring pre-race Bios. And who could blame him? NBC has been stoking this "controversy" from the beginning to get people to pay attention to their horrible coverage of the lowest rated Olympics in recent history. Let's not forget that he is a young man who has trained to win a competition on ice, not in the media. He accomplished his goal and I applaud him for that. NBC can go to hell for all I care. Back to American Idol...

scoots
February 19 2006, 11:21AM

Nice team player.

Bill
February 19 2006, 11:26AM

I am embarrassed to have Shani Davis represent America. He is a selfish angry man regardless of the color of his skin. When an NBC analyist has to ask "Shani...are you angry", during a post win interview, something is amiss. He showed a complete lack of class and it will not serve him well in the future. He can't even take 2 minutes to thank his mother who supported him in this sport for many years. What a shame. Maybe he'll try to take Canadian residency and race for them in the future.

Ghettoman
February 19 2006, 11:45AM

[Comment deleted for inappropriate remarks.]

TrueDat
February 19 2006, 11:50AM

Some of the hate being directed at Shani Davis shows the true nature of many in White America.

1. Shani did not come to Olympics to compete in the team pursuit NOR has he ever trained for it. So its complete bull than anybody feels he HAD to enter that competition.

2. A number of WHITE skaters decided to do the SAME thing as Shani and not enter the team pursuit. But do you see the same people or reporters calling Shani anti-American or nigg*r talking bad about the other skaters? Hell NO! So what's up with that.

3. The REAL selfish Bast*rd is Chad Hedrick. He is playing the racist white fools and reporters in order to get his way. Hedrick is the one that has the big ego and aspiration to win 5 OLYMPIC medals. Black American… Shani is in his way. Hedrick got mad about the team pursuit because he wanted Shani to win ANOTHER medal for him and he wanted to screw up Shani’s chances in the 1,000 meters (which is the MAIN reason why Shani came to the Olympics). Hedrick got his 1st gold medal in the 5,000 meters already and new he had low chances in the 1,000 meters or team pursuit. Would Hedrick race the team pursuit right before the 5,000 meters? Hell no, but he expected Shani to do such a feat before the 1,000 meters. So, Hedrick is throwing as much trailer trash crap towards Shani ’s way as he can. Too many dumb reporters are eating up the trash Hedrick is dishing out and can’t see past their own racism to figure out what is going on.

4. Shani’s win in the 1,000 meters and/or the 1,500 meters goes in the gold column for ALL of the USA. Shani is doing what will give him the best chance for a medal, which also means the best chance to give the USA another medal. Shani is not Chad Hedrick’s personal servant. Hedrick can get his medals on his own and without trying to USE Shani to help him.

Lastly, I hope Shani wins BOTH the 1,000 meter AND the 1,500 meter gold medals and SLAP Hedrick in the face with them and any other stupid racist or low life trailer trash. By the way Shani’s wins will go down in history, help the USA’s gold count, and inspire Black Americans AND OTHER minorities to pursue their dreams in the winter Olympics. Chad Hedrick will only be remembered as a sneaky racist jackass that talked a lot trash about somebody that was a truly special American and inspiration to minorities.

Lene
February 19 2006, 12:11PM

First of all, to say that Shani makes you ashamed to be American is in poor taste. The Olympics come every four years. FOUR YEARS!! No one knows how much sacrifice and effort Shani put in to succeed at this level, at least not the people demanding so much from him now.

Hedrick is a douchebag, plain and simple. He wanted 5 golds at the expense of his other American teammates, but nothing is wrong with that? Shani wants to compete at the highest level and preserve his energy, and he's selfish? What if Shani competed in the team pursuit, slammed into the boards, and injured himself? "Oh well...", right?

I'm Canadian and from Toronto, and I get NBC and CBC's coverage of the Olympics, and NBC is the most biased piece of "journalism" I've ever seen. In the interview Shani did for CBC, he was happy and excited, nothing like the one y'all have witnessed.

If I was interviewed by NBC, I would be pissed off too. If NBC is the only media coverage of the Olympics that Americans can see, go on the internet and find other perspectives. You can't believe every you see from only one clearly biased source.

c unit
February 19 2006, 12:25PM

shani has a chip on his shoulder and behaved deplorably. end of story. make excuses for him if you like, call hedrick a "trashy cracker" if you must, but davis is a brat who's attitude has spoiled something that is supposed to be pure.

KL Simmonds-Cobb
February 19 2006, 12:28PM

Thank you Lene. I am thoroughly disgusted at the biased way NBC has presented this situation. Luckily for me (and everyone else), the internet is a vast and far reaching place. And I've been able to read newspaper articles from all over the country and world regarding this situation. If you limit yourself to NBC's coverage, no wonder you think Shani Davis is a selfish, UnAmerican traitor who thinks of nothing but himself.

NBC has deliberately slanted this story and has omitted several facts that other news outlets have made public.

I'm not surprised though since NBC's coverage of the Olympics has been less than stellar and isn't producing the the ratings that they'd hoped. Not to mention that several of the athletes that they've hyped incessantly have crashed and burned/or have failed to live up to the hype (Bode Miller, Michelle Kwan, Lindsay Jacobellis and the precious Chad Hedrick).

It's almost to the point where NBC is going to have to run additional, free commercial spots just to appease their advertisers.

By hyping the controversy between Shani Davis, Chad Hedrick, et. al, it creates interest for American viewers. And hopefully (by their way of thinking), will increase ratings.

I bet the 1500m speed skating race is probably the most anticipated Olympic event now. I'm sure NBC is chomping at the bit in anticipation of the ratings numbers on Wednesday morning...

Lene
February 19 2006, 12:33PM

"pure?" What the hell are you talking about? You don't think it's selfish that Hendrick can talk about getting 5 golds? Shani is supposed put his ass on the line to help Hendrick's ass win a gold? Please. Even if Shani did the team pursuit, Hendrick still wouldn't have won the gold in the 1000. Shani beat the nearest guy (Cheek) by a whole minute... that's a huge lead in speed skating.

Plus, when Shani was in Salt Lake four years ago, did anyone help him try and get a medal? No. I didn't even know his ass was on the team. Yet, Shani is the one that's "unpure" and "selfish". That is ridiculous.

Honestly, only in America could people turn a gold medal by a Black man into something bad. I know for a fact that we would gladly accept his efforts on the Canadian Olympic team.

Harry
February 19 2006, 1:07PM

Who really cares? This is like the American media making a huge fit about Cheney shooting that guy when we could have been concentrating on more important matters. Stop wasting all of your time and slanting it whichever way makes you feel better, and more self-righteous. Just move on and get over yourselves. It's only small groups of people on both sides who turn little grievances like these into mammoth investigations which waste time. Get lives.

Yusuf
February 19 2006, 1:32PM

This is just a great opportunity for people to see how myopic & pig-headed SOME whites can be; they're so filled to the brim with their entitlements, suppositions, and bias' - telling others how they should act, who they're leaders should be, what being a "team-player" and class act is!!! It's both nauseating and amusing at the same time. Ultimately what comes across is that they just don't get it. The whole world is beginning to see this as well.

Paris
February 19 2006, 1:46PM

Congratulations to Shani Davis, my advice to you is to avoid answering foolishness and ignorance that will be thrown at you, some will try to bait you while others will be proud of your feats, this is the inheritence of your sport of choice and success, you made history and that alone is the result of many sacrifices plus hard work, along with talent which you have, otherwise you would not be where you are today.Always remember that you did accomplish something of importance, that is not given to all. With fame comes friends and enemies,people form an opinion without ever knowing you,good fans and bad fans etc. remember those who were there when you were just Shani Davis trying to gain some space and respect in a sport which is considered unusual for you because of your skin color, how you handle this will be the true test and I am confident that you will do so with success, as for past conflicts, they are just that, you won and now you must be without reproach for those to follow, not by others way of thought but by yours. Bravo once again and it is a great day today, I have a smile on my face and gained another few inches in height which seems to be everday with accomplishments of blacks in all fields, which were previously not always available for what ever the reasons.

John Paris jr

trent
February 19 2006, 2:45PM

I can't add to the excellent comments of Paris and Yusuf. What I can say is that this coming Tuesday, I will be supporting Shani Davis and his deep commitment to be the best at his game against certain folks who may want to see him fail.

hukre
February 19 2006, 3:11PM

After Shani Davis won the gold metal, he was equally impressive when he gave an interview to the [reporter] of NBC, which brought up the issue of race in a disparaging manner. I applaud him for not getting suckered into puncing her in the face.

[Comment edited for posting.]

ron
February 19 2006, 4:16PM

It's TuriNO and America doesn't like it
By Bryan Burwell
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Sunday, Feb. 19 2006

TURIN, ITALY — In this crazy, mixed-signal sports world where we're
never quite sure if we want our athletic heroes to be fun-loving entertainers,
flag-waving patriots, free-thinking rebels, flawless saints, colorful sinners,
uninhibited playboys or the fresh-faced girl next door, there is one
indisputable truth we can be sure of.

Just win, baby...

[Comment edited and cut. Posting of entire articles from other sources is prohibited.]

Kurt
February 19 2006, 4:37PM

Shani Davis is not the one looking for all this broohaha that Hedrick and NBC is fomenting. Notice his calm and quietude after he won the 1,000m last evening? He celebrating but did nto appear pompous or anything "in your face" at all. Shani was not buying into all this baiting that Hedrick and NBC did in painting him falsely as this traitor in the Olympic. Hedricks is the only tooting about How Shani was scheduled to be on the team event and bailed out last minute. When the truth fo the matter is Davis was asked to enter this even a week before it happened. He never trained to be in the team event nor should he have done this two days before the event he actually trained for was to take place. This new format of competing in team events take a lot of chemistry between the players and rythm and intense training for weeks in the least -- NOT 7 days!
Shani Davis was correct in DECLINING the invitation and preparing himself for what he trained for. All this attention could have messed him up psychologically as well, since I can feel the begativity from his so called "USA Team" farless what he could've felt. Some people need some tranquility and no bad energy in their midst befor soemthing like this and this could've fucked up Davis' chance for the medal, but he didn't let it and I applaud him for his mental focus at that.
Also, Davis said that he did not want to mess up anyone else's chances to compete in the Olympics since when he was in Salt Lake in 2002, he never got to compete because favorites took his place. There were other athletes lined-up for that group event, but Hedricks again, wanting to win the gold medal for himself and fuck Davis if he lost, only wanted Davis speed to help him, and Davis' joining of that group would've eliminate someone else's - listed already as an skating member of the group - chances.

All in all in the end, Davis let his athleticism do the talking and not his mouth in this baiting melee to paint him negatively. If anyone else couldn't see this, then their IQ is the figure of my pocket change -- which is a penny right now!

dj
February 19 2006, 4:41PM

I have NEVER in my life, during any Olympics game, seen anyone talk to a reporter the way Shani did after he won the 1000M yesterday. His attitude was like "I'm above you to even talk to you." The rage seethed out of him. And when asked if he was angry, his response was that he's at a loss of words? Please. He's full of crap. That was such a fake answer, you could hear the lies in his voice.

His refusal to skate for his team is a disgrace. We could have won that race with him. AND, it's my belief he could have won his races on his own. HE IS that good. So I don't buy this "I gotta save it for myself" crap.

One day he will need his team, either for real or metaphorically speaking, and why should his team be there for him then?

There's been some discussion on these comments about how America is all about the individual, capitalism, etc., and kudos for Shani for standing up for himself only. Yes, and there are great things about individualism. If we don't focus on ourselves sometimes, we lose ourselves. If we don't take care of ourselves, what we do for others is fake. But if taken to an extreme, focusing so much on ourselves only creates ill health. Look at all the distant families, broken families, mental problems, most Americans on psych meds, emotional problems, chronic TV-watching, obesity. The list goes on and on. After living in another culture, I see where individualism bites our butts. We are the most dominant country in the world, and we are mentally, emotionally and physically very unhealthy. Yes, other countries have these problems, too, but we desperately need more dependence on one another and sociability in this country! And Shani helping out his team may have been an act of I'm taking care of myself, I'm being real, and not going to fake it being there for them. I can believe that. It's authentic if it's what he was really feeling. But after seeing his 10 second discussion with the reporter, shoot. His ill intentions were crystal clear in that moment.

SHANI, IF YOU WANT TO BE A GOLD MEDALIST WITH CLASS, THEN LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT BEING A PERSON OF INTEGRITY. You can be authentic and real, even if it includes your best interest, but you can learn how to do it with class, courtesy and respect.

Tracey
February 19 2006, 4:50PM

Frankly, I don't find Shani Davis to be a 'sterling example' of anything but selfishness. We have included his gold in our American Olympic medal count, but does it really belong there? Davis certainly doesn't consider himself to be part of the 'Team', as his embarrassing and disgraceful comments have indicated. The Olympics and the Olympic Spirit are about winning OR losing with grace, dignity, valour, and honor. Davis has failed to display any of these laudable qualities. Granted, he's fast; my intention is not to discredit his athleticism, but long after his race time has been beaten and his physical performance has faded into distant history, he will be remembered for his rudeness (to his fellow teammates, to the reporters congratulating him, and by extension to the public) and his arrogance. I believe his mother, Cherie, should feel truly ashamed of Shani's behavior. She may have raised a fast man, but she didn't raise a very nice man. Perhaps Davis should take a lesson from his friend Apolo Anton Ohno's playbook; even in the wake of losing a gold medal, Ohno was gracious and polite - he took the time to acknowledge his appreciation of his teammate Rusty Smith's presence in the 1000m short track finals. Shani Davis might be a very fast speed skater, but he is a rude, surly, selfish, and ungracious very fast speed skater. I am embarrassed that he is a representative of the United States on the world stage of the Olympics.

Lene
February 19 2006, 4:55PM

Thanks KL, for a second there I thought that I must be insane. I can't believe the way NBC has turned Shani into a villain. Their article, "Davis, Cheek go 1-2 in 1000m" has so many slightly veiled backhanded comments about Shani Davis and even Vonetta Flowers, that you would think that they dissed George Bush or something.

Terrence
February 19 2006, 5:29PM

Race. Race Race. When my brother's and sister's going to stop using race as the fall-back excuse for everything wrong with society? The white folks did this. The cracker's said that. Give me a break.

This Shani Davis flap is not about race, it's about sportsmanship. His teammate, Hedrick, has a right to be angry about Shani dropping out of the team pursuit four days before the race. What does that tell you? It SHOULD tell you he had been training for the team pursuit up until four days before the race. His team certainly thought so. It was a selfish decision.

And, can someone please explain to me how a reporter asking if he is proud to be "the first african-american to win gold at the WINTER Olympics" is race-baiting? Seems to me, it is a fair and absolutely honest and relevant question to ask considering he is in fact the FIRST black to win gold at the winter olympics. I have yet to read a single reasonable explaination of why this is race-baiting. I would have said with huge smile, "damn right I am prooud to be the first black to in gold in the Winter Olympics!" Not Shani. He just made it clear he has contempt for anyone who doesn't "get" him.

Sportsmanship is not about sacrifice. Sportsmanship has nothing to do with ability. Sportsmanship has absolultely nothing to do with skin color. Sportsmanship is about respect and it is Shani's lack of respect for his sport, his team, his teammates, his country, and his skin color that has caused his behavior to become an issue.

The cracker's haven't made this a racial issue. My brother's and sister's have made race an issue because they either don't understand what it means to be a sportsman or they have no argument to defend Shani's terrible attitude.

TrueDat
February 19 2006, 5:31PM

I think there are number of things that are conveniently being missed by the majority of the Amerikan media.

. Why was Shani asked to join the team pursuit at the "last second"? Why not approach the man WEEKS or MONTHS earlier and give him a chance to train for it, as oppose to day before the race of his life.

. They ALREADY HAD PEOPLE that were supposed to do this. Shani had NEVER skated this type of race before and they came to him at the last second and right before the race he had trained YEARS for... How they went about asking him to join the team pursuit and their poor organization should be put into question, but for some reason the media ignored that and insinuate that Shani is "unpatriotic" or "an uncooperative negro".

. How is it that nobody finds it arrogant for Hedrick to be out claiming he is going to win 5 gold medals for himself? Nobody in the American media thought that Hedrick remarks about Shani and sour grapes about Shani’s 1,000 meter victory was in poor taste? How come Shani could figure out how to say good things about Hedrick, but not the other way around?

. Was "the plan" for Shani to go out there and burn his legs out winning another medal for egotistical and selfish White American Hedrick? Was this type of treatment suppose to be acceptable because Shani is Black? So, Shani blows his legs in the team pursuit, wins a medal for Hedrick. Hedrick and some others on that skating team would be laughing and insulting Shani, WIN or LOSE.

. Even if Shani raced in the team pursuit, there was NO guarantee that the USA was going to win it. Shani could have easily blown his legs and got a bronze medal or NOTHING. Now with Shani's legs weakened after the team pursuit, was the SELFISH 5 GOLD MEDAL plan of Hedrick and/or the USA speed skating COACHES was to use this so that Hedrick (who already won the 5,000) or Cheek (who had won the 500 meter) advantage to win the race they were weak in... the 1,000 meters. Hedrick got his medal, Cheek got his medal, why not give Shani a clear shot? Its interesting how Shani’s “selfishness” won the USA yet another gold medal and the USA is looking real good to win medals in the 1,500 meters and 10,000 meters.

I think Shani knew that people were out to screw him over and did the right thing to at least give himself a chance to win a gold medal. And you know what? When it was all over he was right.

Shani’s revenge would be to win 1,500 meters. It will be very interesting to see what Hedrick and company have to say at that point.

KL Simmonds-Cobb
February 19 2006, 5:50PM

Terrence, you are right to say that this isn't about race. However I don't recall anyone saying anything about Shani being "race-baited" by reporters/the media.

He was being baited to further this controversy between him and Chad Hedrick in order to increase television ratings. That is what I've said and others in this thread have said.

Also, keep in mind that he was only approached to participate in the team pursuit ONE WEEK prior to the race. That's 7 days. So he declined to participate 4 days before the race. If you ask me, 7 days is not enough time to train for a race that you've never participated in.

No mention of the words "team player" were made throughout this whole affair until Chad Hedrick's chance of winning 5 gold medals was dashed. Then you heard him and others of his ilk start talking about Shani as not being a team player and how is is a team player representing the good ol' U.S. of A.

But while the media and even he were tooting his own horn about his chances of going for the 5 golds, do you think he was talking about winning one for America? Nope. It was all about HIM, HIM, HIM and HIS chances to win 5 gold medals for (you guessed it) HIMSELF. Don't you think that's selfish?

But as soon as someone decides not to sacrifice his hard work, goals and dreams for someone else, now he's selfish and not a team player.

And I really think that all of the racial epithets should stop. There's no need to refer to people as crackers, n*ggers and any other epithets while discussing this situation. Let's try and keep the discussion an intelligent one okay?

Andrew
February 19 2006, 6:17PM

Shani might be the best in his event, but he has some growing up to do. Race has nothing to do with it. Good Sportsmanship should be his #2 goal beyond being a good athlete, instead it was last for him.

Even if there is drama, why can't he rise above it and represent USA for something we want to be seen as. You don't see Ohno with a sourpuss face, or Kwan pulling the race card in past olympics.

Shani get a fucking grip, you are right, it doesn't matter if we love you, I dont even mind you didn't race in a team, but show some dignity for your event and your sport, or don't race at all.

Yusuf
February 19 2006, 6:56PM

The only thing I have left to say about this latest indictment of how far America has to go with how it treats some of it's own citizens, is that I listened to an (at-length) National Public Radio spot this morning (I know most of the Shani haters probably don't even know what NPR is), and he was as expected - relaxed, thoughtful, and demonstrated a sense of humor. The fact that he didn't oblige the dumb-ass NBC Blondie in his face last night is neither here nor there.

Cathy
February 19 2006, 7:09PM

I'm a middle aged white red neck in the middle of the USA. I think what Shani did in speed skating is a credit to his character and his mother's raising of a wonderful young man. I agree with him in wanting to concentrate on his own races/medals instead of a "team" race. An injury in the team race could have ended the dream he and his mom have worked so hard for. Please realize that not ALL white Americans have a racist view. This young man should be an example for ALL young Americans, especially those living in the difficult areas of the inner cities in our country. Hold that medal high and proud. YOU earned it in my eyes, and hope for more to come. CH

Lee O.
February 19 2006, 7:57PM

As an Asian American and unabashed Shani fan, I am dismayed to see the comments made by both whites and blacks on this site. I guess that neutrality and objectivity is easier for me than y'all.

(Most ignorant poster award, btb, goes to mbubby. You need to get an education, dude!)

To the whites/anti-Shani contingent (recognizing that some whites like Shani and some blacks feel let down by him):

1) You are criticizing Shani for an event in which he had no precedent for participating. Why should he suddenly be expected to knock someone else out of their position just so he can fulfill the hedonistic whims of either Hedrick or the armchair fan? Face it. If he had suddenly stepped in to race this event, he would have been flipped a lot of shit for thinking he could simply come in at the last moment and oust another US competitor from their spot.

2) Where are the cries for Joey Cheek to have raced in the pursuit? Didn't he get the silver in a whisker's time below Shani?

3) You need to understand the importance for Shani as an African-American to win this. I know you whites want to say that "race shouldn't matter", but as an Asian-American, I can say that YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE to live in a society in which white media images are predominant. It does an incredible amount of damage to the minority psyche when this imagery is rammed down your throat every day. You also don't understand how, in a society in which blacks comprise 12-14 % of the population yet close to 40% of the prison population is black, how important having role models like Shani is for young blacks. You guys have Bush/Clinton/the pope/Ben Roethlisberger, etc., but the media doesn't so easily create minority icons. Get a grip!

For the blacks:

1) Cut this "black power" shit out. I need say no more. You want to be in power just so you can be like the whites you hate?

2) Shani's mother is obviously a nutter, even though she's been good for him. Control is bad, no matter who the agent.

3) Fuck this "Hedrick is a redneck" shit. You don't know this.

Yusuf
February 19 2006, 8:29PM

Hey Lee. O: pretty decent comments overall - the only thing I would note is not to chastise people (in this case blacks) for their unabashed passion. Whereas I don't know what kind of Asian you are, but I sure as hell know that Koreans, Japanese, & Chinese can be EXTREMELY passionate about their jocks and are not above linking politics & race to it if they feel they have been slighted.

Reverend Yvonne Williams Boyd
February 19 2006, 9:25PM

Shani, thank you for removing the glass ceiling. Your accomplishments are an inspiration. My daughter is in a sport - springboard and platform diving - that historically has not been accessible to African Americans. She loves it, and you're now one of her inspirations; you and Vonetta Flowers.

Finally you became a "sermon nugget" for my sermon, this morning. I am a lectionary preacher, and the Gospel lesson was that of the four friends who removed the roof in order to lower down the paralytic, that Jesus might heal them (Mark 2:1-12). I focused on the the persistence of the four frineds, making a way out of what appeared to be an impossible task.

Enjoy your next race, on Tuesday. Good luck!

Yvonne Williams Boyd

Texas76132
February 19 2006, 9:53PM

This is just another case of media race baiting. You see it everyday on any given sporting event showcasing the poor impoverished black who overcame tremendous odds to reach his or her dream. You know the stories. The ones with the Chicago-like high rise projects and the chain-link fences topped with barbed-wire and the basketball court. We've seen it over and over. I'm glad to see people like Shani Davis and the Williams sisters take the attitude they do and refuse to do the "Negro Shuffle" as mentioned earlier. Don't tell me it's just blacks making race an issue out of this when you know darn well whites have made more than one "uppity nigger" comment on other websites concerning this same issue. It is very inappropriate and racist for NBC to ask questions about what's it like to be the first black this or that when they never ask whites what's it like to be the first white this or that when the only difference is the color of our skin. NBC isn't doing anything but feeding the stereotype of the lowly black athlete made good on their dream. Their reporting is no different than the old 1950's interviews they had with Jackie Robinson and other blacks interviewed in the past. The only difference is that they changed the word Negro to Black and the video is in color and not in black and white film. Tell me I'm wrong. The reporters' questions are still just as racist, insensitive, and full of double standards. I will say this; as wrong as NBC is for their 1950's race-baiting reporting style, we shouldn't be having this discussion at all because if the super rich blacks would have bought the network back in the early 90's when General Electric tried to sell it to them, this wouldn't be an issue at all with them. But once again black investors wouldn't pull their money together to help themselves and the black community.These people do nothing but drain our pockets and I'm sick of them running to us for help when they need something. Until Black Hollywood respects its black clientele enough to spend its money to give us quality products instead of the typical minstrel Big Mama's House crap they give us, we will always have to put up with that "who does that black (Nigger) person think he is" syndrome from NBC and other networks and we will never drive our future. Shani was right. He was only on the team for three days, not three months or three years. No bonds were broken because there wasn't enough time to create them. No harm done. If it's any body's fault, it's the coache's fault and team's fault for not having an alternate person to fall back on and putting themselves in that situation.

KFisher
February 19 2006, 10:11PM

Delete this if you like but he comes off as a first class jerk. The only thing that keeps me from writing him off as a complete a*hole is that he is apparently friends with Apollo. Here's hoping that he gets no endorsements !

Mary Alice
February 19 2006, 10:36PM

I think Shani Davis made the correct move when he decided to focus on his best event. No one can second guess him because no one else trained as hard as he did for as long as he did overcoming as many obstacles as he did. Congratulations to Shani. I am very happy for him and proud of him. And thank you to Harvey Araton for writing in the NY Times "Davis is Right to Let Dream Trump Team". He hits the nail on the head. GO, SHANI!

Bob
February 19 2006, 11:39PM

Good job Shani! Here are some thoughts from Massachusetts: http://www.bluemassgroup.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1515

carlos
February 20 2006, 12:28AM

In the end, all of these posts are quite sad. the only post that really felt like someone was trying to connect with someone else was Alfred's. in a way, i think you're all projecting onto yani your own baggage about race. black, white and asian. and latino, if i missed someone else who made a self-proclamation.

should we talk about how tonight's interview went better? are we to make an issue out of the fact that tonight's interviewer was a black male instead of a blonde ("i don't remember her name") race-baiter?

one of the coolest things yani said in any of the interviews was his admission of wearing a bonnie blair sweatshirt. they should have interviewed bonnie to see what it felt like to have been an inspiration to yani, a new american gold medalist. and they should do a panel of american gold and silver medalists as a story. . .they should put yani, and tomato top, and a few other people from different events on a panel to talk about the journey.

Michael-Vincent Crea
February 20 2006, 1:05AM

Peace to All:

At least the media finally told the TRUTH that it was 'friendly fire' that killed the soldier in Iraq, a former football player, after months of deceiving his family and the world. Not so, for a very strategic and disciplined world champion speed skater like Mr. Davis, his mother, coaches, team, staff, as well as fans, old and new, like myself. I left a message on Bob Costas voicemail
saying so...others might do it too[212-664-4444]!

Only other sources like the BBC, Canadian coverage
or a multitude of media sites are providing a more
comprehensive, conscientious, yet critical views of Shani Davis both Black-African American and World Class athletic competitor in his sport.

Not since a young John Singleton's brilliant work of "Boys in Da' Hood," have I been so inspired NOT JUST to applaud or cheer but continue to grow, to stretch to break barriers being erected everday around us, not the least of which is
'doublespeak.' Shani Davis'success story is such!

Mr. Davis refreshingly speaks his heart, mind and soul, like it or not, when he chooses; yet, Shani rightly hasn't "throw pearls before swine," nor stones at those whose glass houses are shattered
by their own words of avarice, fame and vainglory,
reflecting their worse,personally and nationally, by scapegoating Shani in their own hurtful soundbites.

Hedrick sought a sole spotlight on himself, not
Shani Davis. Thus, such media or website detractors' 'white spotlight' would be better to 'bury Caesar,' along with 'white privilege' and as 'little caesars,' themselves, their heat, not LIGHT, would be used better serving and delivering pizzas!

I'm here to give respect and praise, that is PROPS & LOVE, to Olympic Champion Shani Davis, who needs not to be put in a 'box,' like so many young Black men are in, now, unjustifiably so. Nor 'canned' for corporate pimps to sell, using unscrupulously great Black 'bait', like Shani, to catch and deplete 'the dark depths of our ocean of its greenbacks!'

So, for Shani Davis: World Champion, Olympic Gold Victor, fine outstanding Man, son, and brother:
I salute YOU with a raised fist for forcing wide
open the closed doors and barriers of 'colorism'!

As you, Shani stand on the podium to receive your earned and deserved prize and laurels of LOVE, I hope you and others hear with me NINA SIMONE singing: "...young, gifted and Black..." as the
stars and stripes are raised. Today, the USA is a 'skater' closer to "Liberty and Justice for ALL," and the world a bit better than yesterday because of YOU being YOU!!!

Be Proud & Say It Loud: I'M BLACK & I'M PROUD!!! BRAVO! BRAVO!! BRAVO!!! WAY TO GO BRO!!!

You are shining and solid gold...skate to victory!

With peace, prayers, PROPS and LOVE,
Steadfast in the Spirit,

Michael-Vincent Crea, Pastor
One World Life Systems

PS SPECIAL PROPS TO KEITH BOYKIN & HIS COLUMNS ON
OLYMPIC ATHLETES OF COLOR--BLACK, AFRICAN AND ALL
CITIZENS OF THE WORLD! [The Ancients' way of recognizing GREAT achievers and achievements were to erect "COLUMNS" in their honor!]Maybe you can
also feature Yannick Bonheur, Avec L'Equipe de France Olympique. Thank you!

Dallas
February 20 2006, 4:39AM

Congrats Shani!!!!! It is unfortunate that more celebration is placed on "his" decision not to participate in the team pursuit rather than his pursuit of a gold medal win. Hopefully he will dismiss the negative energy sent his way and focus on the next medal.

In comparison, Canadian olympian Cindy Klassen did the same thing. I wonder why her fellow olympians and countrymen arent outraged.

BTW... does anyone know the price of tea in China?

tutu
February 20 2006, 7:38AM

All Bravos gonto Shani.... When we decide to do soemthing differnt than throw a ball, white america does everything in its power to hate..... Shani has shown the world that blacks no more than basket-foot ball and that we can do it as well or better than them.... ie: skate in some cold ass weather

bambi
February 20 2006, 9:44AM

Another poster proclaims Shani doesn't owe anything to anyone but himself. Well, then he's nailed it. Selfish, huge sense of entitlement, classless. Keep rationalizing all.

Hunter
February 20 2006, 4:04PM

I do not care if he is white, black, pink, or blue. Color has nothing to do with my discust of this so called man. He is on TEAM USA! "TEAM" That means you work as a TEAM and do what ever you can for the TEAM and the COUNTRY "USA" not Canada. I have never seen a more selfish act than what this young man has done. He had the chance to stand up show and be a Tiger Woods, Magic, Ali, or Jordan, but NO he had to be TEAM DAVIS it's all about him. SAD VERY SAD!

xian
February 20 2006, 4:12PM

Great posts on Shani and the other Olympians! Thank you for being an alternative media source for those of us who are ignored by the main stream coverage!

We may have to be ten times as clever, ten times as articulate and ten times as loud to be heard, but lets also remember the deep injury that privilege does to people. The lack of class that Hendrick shows is not entirely his fault, but a natural outgrowth of a system that has robbed from him the opportunity to compete on a level playing field.

Sure, we may suffer more than the privileged, but ultimately the systems of privilege hurt all involved and that is why white folks should fight just as hard as we do to destroy them.

Proton
February 20 2006, 4:21PM

That muted reaction following his 1,000 meter win? I know that reaction. That's the reaction of a person who silently says "see, bitch?" That's the reaction of a man who needed no other expression other than his win to stick it to The Man (TM). Davis skated, fueled by the rage brought on by all the haters snapping at his heels.

No matter how he reacts, there's one thing you can't ignore -- the man overcame.

Jane
February 20 2006, 7:32PM

May God continue to strenghten and bless Shani Davis and make him thrive in the midst of the naysayers. To Hedricks et al, you should be ashamed of your childish and manipulative behaviors. Don't act as if you have been innocent through this all because you came to the Olympics with an agenda of yours that you needed other skaters to help you with as if they didn't have issues or games of their own to win. God is watching over Shani and will continue to see him through. I am anxiously waiting for the 1500m. It will be a bonus if Shani wins it. If not, anyone but Hedricks.

Ed Vassallo
February 21 2006, 1:24AM

All this anti- Davis crap is pissing me off. The media is so rediculous. It's an INDIVIDUAL SPORT FOR CHRIST'S SAKE!!!
Why can't everyone see Hendrick for the elitist cry baby that he is. Davis has worked his whole life to accomplish a gold medal, and he did just that. He is an inspiration to every inner city youth in America, and he should be regarded as a hero damnit!!!

Q
February 21 2006, 8:10AM

I am proud. Friday as I was reading the criticism in the newspaper, I hoped and prayed that Davis would win in his individual event. This story parallels the simplicity of institutional racism in America and I was happy that Shani showed how his people excel despite the greatest odds! Thank you, Shani; Chicagoans are the best at what we do!

Beverly A. Johnson-Finley
February 21 2006, 10:43AM

Dear Mr. Davis;
You know that you had already earn the title ("Mr.")It was a pleasure as a human being to see
you execute so well and win the Olympic Gold as a(SPEED SKATER) Who beat all obstacles, Horatio Alger no Doubt"" TENACITY"" yes yes . I and the
world are very proud of your accomplishment,You
sticking with your goal no matter how great the obstacles were and still are and most of all remembering where you came from and that realistically things are not any better as it applies to race relationship and christianity in this great USA. Thanks for standing your grounds and great follow through. May God Bless You and keep looking ahaead. You are a great person and someone that all young people could emulate and want to be like

KL Simmonds-Cobb
February 21 2006, 12:55PM

Well Congrats to Shani again! He just took the silver in the 1500m. Chad Hedrick came in 3rd with the bronze.

TrueDat
February 21 2006, 1:29PM

Shani may not have won the gold in the 1500m, BUT he won the SILVER (to add with his 1000m GOLD) and he BEAT the loud mouth jerk and truly selfish Chad Hedrick (who took bronze).

What is also interesting is that Shani was able to talk to and congradulate the Italian (Enrico Fabris) that won the GOLD in the 1500m (in his home country/turf and on that slow track (which helped him)). While Shani was being a good sportsman (while also helping the US get another medal (Silver)), Chad Hedrick was busy acting like a spoiled jackass and big baby.

Interestingly, the media has said nothing about Hedrick's bad behavior. I guess they are too many reporters too busy trying to do everything to make a Black American Winter Olympic champ look bad and take away from his GOLD and SILVER medals.

Anyway, GREAT WORK SHANI!!!! You have opened the door for other Blacks and minorities in the USA to go after their dreams in different areas than what the "White" media and/or haters want.

hatandm
February 21 2006, 2:00PM

Congratulations to him for winning, but the olympics is about honoring your country, he should have skated in the team race no doubt.

"Then, showing the team spirit that he criticized Davis for lacking, Hedrick said, "Once Shani beat me, I didn't care if I got a bronze. I'm here to win. It's all or nothing." Now isn't that ironic. It's okay for Chad Hedrick to focus on individual victory but not for Shani Davis."-Quote

No it's not ironic. Hedrick raced for his country, THEN concentrated on individual competitions again. Maybe I would show a little sympathy towards shani, but when I saw that interview after his gold medal race I was perplexed. Rule number one for interviews is: don't give three word answers. Unbelievable, Congrats to Hedrick for his gold too, I haven't heard that on this board yet.

KL Simmonds-Cobb
February 21 2006, 2:10PM

Sorry to say, but Chad Hedrick's first race was an individual race - the 5000m. He didn't say anything about his love of country while he was trying to attain 5 gold medals.

The only time the whole issue of being a "team player" came up when was Shani Davis declined to participate in team pursuit. That's when Hedrick decided to get up on his flagpole proclaiming that he was a team player and that he was skating for the good old U.S. of A.

No mention of that was made when the media was hyping him as the next Eric Heiden. And he played right into the hype - for individual glory and his chance at the 5 golds and endorsements galore.

When his individual chances at the gold dimmed that's when he became a flag waving patriot and made disparaging comments about Davis to suggest that he's unpatriotic.

As for congratulating Hedrick, I'm sure he received plenty of those on his fan sites and message boards. He won't be getting one from me on this board. I'm sure he's not being disaparaged on his own website with racial slurs though.

TrueDat
February 21 2006, 3:11PM

How come all these "White" haters in the media or blogs have ZERO to say about JOEY CHEEK (1000 meter SILVER and GOLD 500m champ) NOT joining the team pursuit??? How come you do NOT hear sneaky Chad Hedrick saying a word about Joey Cheek?

Joey Cheek could have joined the team pursuit, instead of Shani. Cheek is fast TOO and was the 500m GOLD champ and a major contender for 1000m. But the media, white haters, etc... had NOTHING to say about that.

See, crap like that is WHY YOU KNOW Hedrick, the USA Speed skate coaches, and various people of the "White" MEDIA had an agenda versus Shani (as a Black person AND Champ in the Winter Olympics).

All you heard was how selfish a "Black" like Shani was, but zero to a few whispers about all those WHITE speed skaters that REFUSED to join the team pursuit ALSO.

The coaches of the USA Speed skating team were poorly organized. They should have decided WHO they wanted WEEKS and MONTHS ago. They had skaters on the USA team pursuit, and could have left Shani alone or have decided the issue LONG before Shani was about to race and to add even more stress and distraction on the guy.

Shani and MANY other speed skaters trained for individual events and had ZERO X ZERO experience with the new event of team pursuit.

Shani has WON the USA a GOLD and SILVER medal (2 medals if you can't count). His decision was the RIGHT ONE and FACTS PROVE IT. All the haters, Monday night quarterbacks, 2nd guessers, etc... can now be SILENT, because you have been PROVED WRONG.

The timing of the team pursuit makes ZERO sense to me and this is the fault of the Olympic committee organizing this event. If you want countries to put in their TOP skaters than you would make the team pursuit LAST. It was STUPID for the Olympic committee to have team pursuit before a SPRINT (1000m) and combo sprint and endurance event (1500m).

The reason is that you HURT speed skating sprinters in the 500m and 1000m events. The sprinters will want to SAVE their legs for their events (because of the fast twitch muscle burn). Endurance racers do NOT CARE because they are using more SLOW twitch muscle and they have LOW to NO chances in the sprint events. So to an endurance racer (5000m and 10,000m) the sprints and/or team pursuit is just a WARM UP to them.

Next time around the Olympic Committee can put the team pursuit as the last event. Maybe more speed skate sprinters will be interested, maybe Shani (at on 23 and could be in the next Olympics) or Joey Cheek would be interested, and maybe more countries would be interested as that would be a last chance for them to get a GOLD if they did not do to well in the earlier events.

Hedrick “showed” the kind of sneaky jerk and bad sportsman he is by his actions after LOSING to Shani (Silver) and the Italian skater (Gold). The US media and many “White” bloggers showed how racist and backwards they are. Instead of celebrating the achievements of the first Black American Gold medal winner in speed skating (actually first TWO) and during Black History Month, they spend their time showing how racist the USA still is.

Lastly, WHERE is Hedrick’s 5 GOLD MEDALS??? Of course, how in the hell did he expect to win 5 by trying to “play” and insult Shani is another matter by itself.

As a “real American” I will at cheer for him to win GOLD in the 10,000m race (to add to his Gold and Bronze). If he can do that than 3 medals will not look so bad, will at least help compensate for the huge disrespect, sneakiness, bad sportsmanship, and arguable racist mentality that he showed on his way to get them.

AnotherChicagoan
February 21 2006, 3:21PM

What did Shani do wrong? HE WON!!!

He "turned" the other cheek, and God delivered to him the GOLD.

The man must be made of STEEL to have endured all of the jealousy and gossip and STILL WIN!

All of these people GANGED up on him for NOTHING. Then he had the AUDACITY to WIN!

God Bless his mama, God bless Shani, God bless our Black people!

hatandm
February 21 2006, 3:21PM

"The US media and many “White” bloggers showed how racist and backwards they are."- Quote

You are a prime example of people who don't even know what racism is.

Michael-Vincent Crea
February 21 2006, 3:27PM

21 February 2006
41st Anniversary of the Assassination
MALCOLM X - El Hajj Malik Shabazz [RIP]

Peace, Joy & Triumph To ALL!

With Lots of Love, Props & Pride, NOTHING to hide,
I dedicate this entry to our YOUNG, GIFTED and
BLACK Brother-Son, World & Olympic Champion, and
First African American Speed Skater, Shani Davis,
and to Mother Davis:

To Be Young, Gifted And Black
(1969) Nina Simone, Weldon Irvine Jr.

To be young, gifted and Black,
Oh what a lovely precious dream
To be young, gifted and Black,
Open your heart to what I mean

In the whole world you know
There are billion boys and girls
Who are young, gifted and Black,
And that's a fact!

Young, gifted and Black
We must begin to tell our young
There's a world waiting for you
This is a quest that's just begun

When you feel really low
Yeah, there's a great Truth you should know
When you're young, gifted and Black
Your soul's intact

Young, gifted and Black
How I long to know the Truth
There are times when I look back
And I am haunted by my youth

Oh but my joy of today
Is that we can all be proud to say
To be young, gifted and Black
Is where it's at!

I heard this playing as they raised the 'Stars & Stripes' for Shani's Victory in Gold & shall hear it again, along with the Italian national anthem, too!!!

Shani Davis and his Mother are the SILVER lining in ALL the 'clouds' wanting to play stormy
'whether' or not to whatever!

CELEBRATE, SHANI!!! Like the cool, young, history-making, gifted, Black Man-Child in the Promise(s) YOU made and kept to YOURSELF and in so doing, honoring your Mother, God and country, ALL of US!

BECAUSE of YOU: I'll look forward to hearing Nina
sing her lyrics every time I look at YOU, SHANI DAVIS, our 'freshest' Prince, of BLACKS-IN-WORLD
History, not just on my calendar but in my Heart!

BE PROUD & SAY IT LOUD: "I'M BLACK & I'M PROUD!"

And in honoring your MOTHER, NEVER FORGET who gave you life "TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED and BLACK!"

WELL DONE BROTHER-SON! Keep celebrating, living
& sharing "every spiritual blessing from Heaven!"

With peace, prayer, joy, pride, PROPS & LOVE,
Steadfast in the Spirit,

Michael-Vincent Crea, Pastor
One World Life Systems

PS ["Toward the end of 1968, Nina Simone had begun working with a young, multi-talented musician, Weldon Irvine, and with him she had written "Young, Gifted and Black" as a way of paying homage to her longtime friend, playwright Lorraine Hansberry (best known for "Raisin in the Sun")...More importantly, it became an important statement that reflected the increasing desire to express pride in the achievements of African-Americans. This was the dawning of a new day and Nina and Weldon were verbalizing a culture's state of mind with their uplifting message of encouragement and empowerment..."Google:NS&Title]

dutch passion
February 21 2006, 3:53PM

What a silliness this all is. I am so glad we are not exposed to American news shows. Here in Holland we also heard about this controversy, but only through interviews of Hedrick who really tried to put Shani in a bad daylight.
Face it, Shani gets along very well with our press (thats should make you think; we just ask him normal questions about the competion etc, maybe that helps iso trying to offend him), he sounds like a fair sportsman who takes his sport very serious, and gets along with the other world athletes too, unlike Hedrick. Most of them who were interviewed would do the same as Shani, duh. Every normal thinking sportsman would. An on top of that only asked him a week b4 the start. Who is fooling who?
Anyway funny to see how positively Shani is viewed here, and some people in the States feel the need to sympathize with the real egoistic person Hedrick. Must be cultural or your news is really biased.
I take my toque of to you Shani, Great achievements! Focus on the positive forces, ignore the negatives news reporters and your so called "fellow" american skaters.

Michael-Vincent Crea
February 21 2006, 4:38PM

PS POST
21 February 2006 @ 4:21 pm

Today, unbeknownst to me as I posted my preceding
post, honoring Shani Davis and Mother Davis with a
tribute of "TO BE YOUNG, GIFTED, AND BLACK," by Nina Simone, is that she was born TODAY, February 21, 1933!!!

She made her transition on April 21, 2003, aged 70 years. Shani's Silver is oh, so sweet "Happy Birthday!" back to her!!!

That Shani Davis achieved his second place honors,
again a historic first, on the same day, some might say, "Well it's a coincidence."

I've been taught that a 'coincidence' is God's way of staying "Anonymous!" I'd like to believe
as well, that the Ancestors were lobbying with
Lots of Love, all along the way to this moment, this day in Shani Davis' life, too, "To Be Young,
Gifted and Black!"--right to the finish line and into Black-World History!

Instead of blowing out her 'candles', Shani lit another ONE for Nina Simone, instead!!!

With peace, prayers, PROPS & LOVE,
Steadfast in the Spirit,

Michael-Vincent Crea, Pastor
One World Life Systems