Soul Bowl I: It's a big deal...to us at least

This past Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007 was just like any other Sunday in my life. I relunctently got up, went to church, went to eat and made my way home. However, I went with some co-workers to grab a bite to eat at the local soul food joint, so as I was driving back, I looked at the clock and knew I wouldn't make it back home in time for kickoff of the Bears-Saints game. So, being the technologically-savy person I am, I turned on my Sirius radio to listen to the game. Much to my surprise, the Bears were up big early. I was one of the many who ASSumed the Saints' wonderful story would continue and they would cruise past the Bears to the Super Bowl. I mean, after all that happened with Hurricane Katrina, it seemed only right that they end up in Miami. But despite an inspired effort, the Saints fell to the Bears - there season over. While it was a disappointment to see New Orleans' season end, I felt a sense of pride to see Lovie Smith, a black man, lead his team to the Super Bowl.

As Smith stood on the podium to accept the NFC Championship trophy, not only was a sense of excitement hoover over his face, but a sense of pride. While it didn't come out of his mouth, it showed all over his body that he was proud to become the first black coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl.

"We" were proud too.

Some two hours later, things didn't look so bright for Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts and unofficial president of the Light Skin Association. The Colts trailed the Patriots 21-3 in the second quarter, which left many thinking, "Here we go again." But somehow, someway, Dungy, Peyton Manning and the rest of the Colts fought back to win the game 38-34.

Mission Accomplished: Soul Bowl I

While many may not admit it openly, that day, black folk silently cheered for Smith and Dungy, even if they weren't a fan of the Bears and Colts. Silently, we wanted to see history made. Silently we hoped, at least, for one of the two to make it. But both?! A certain sense of pride sifted through our communities, our churches, our barbershops. For a few hours that Sunday evening, it seemed as though we collectively had something to enjoy as one. Something to be proud of. To say that the black communities response is racists is far from the truth. There's a difference between racism and race pride. That's all it was. "We" were proud to see "our" brothas achieve.

So, on Feb. 4, Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith will make history. It's fun now to find humor in the event. To call it the "Soul Bowl" to say only chicken and barbeque will be served at halftime. But the reality is, this is a big deal, to us at least. Many remember when the idea of just having a black quarterback was laughable and the thought of a black head coach was inconceivable. Sure, this is 2007 and we as a country have come along whay, but in order to know where you're going, you have to appreciate where you've come from.

We appreciate Lovie and Tony and will be proud no matter who wins.