Right now I’m in Denver, Colorado, the Mile High City, about to do a 1-on-1 sit-down interview with Allen Iverson for ESPN, but there’s a few other things on my mind. I’ve got to be honest in saying at this moment, on this day, I’ve never been more proud to be associated with ESPN.
This Sunday, the World-Wide Leader will air the first of a two-part documentary entitled “Black Magic” – a story of the plight of basketball players at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s).
This is must-see television, everybody. You absolutely HAVE TO SEE this documentary, a film by Dan Klores.
Earl “The Pearl” Monroe is featured in it, during his days at Winston-Salem State, along with the legendary Hall of Famer, former Temple University coach, John Chaney. So is Cleo Hill, also from my alma mater, Winston-Salem State. Earl Lloyd and Dick Barnett. Oscar Robertson and Elgin Baylor. Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, along with great coaches like John McClendon and my former coach, Clarence “Big House” Gaines.
But it’s not the individuals alone who make the film. It’s their story. A story of blatant, systemic racism overcome, through trials and tribulations incomprehensible to most us – clearly at the expense of these extraordinary individuals who, in most cases, used basketball to put their very lives on the line purely to provoke fairness for us all (i.e. John McClendon initiating an all-black team’s 88-44 annihilation of Duke University’s basketball team at a time when blacks weren’t allowed to compete against white ballplayers).
I’ll be honest: I cried watching this Documentary. Not just from realizing, once again, that I would never be where I am today were it not for these individuals, but also because after visualizing what these folks actually endured – and how ungrateful they must believe we all are for the sacrifices they made on our behalf.
Again, it’s must-see television. Scheduled to be aired on ESPN this Sunday and Monday night.
Don’t miss it.
BTW……I co-hosted the Steve Harvey Morning Show today with the morning crew. It’s Freedom Friday, so, unfortunately, I had to give it to Nephew Tommy a little bit, who completely underestimated my skills with the slow jamz (Starship, Lady (Whispers), Adore and Call Me (Prince), Just to be close (Lionel Richie), etc.
Shame on the brother! But I’m not going to hold it against him too much.
When ya don’t know,…ya don’t know. (smile!!!)
Feel free to send in comments on pick who won the battle.
P.S. Please don’t think I don’t read your emails. Although I’m quite busy at this moment in time to respond to everyone, I always have time to read comments, emails, etc. So keep’em coming.
Take care.
I am very happy to hear that ESPN will be showing this film, hopefully everyone that watches it will be touched as you were. I missed you this morning with the crew, I am sure that you whipped Tommy's behind. I suggest the next time you play and oldie by the Sylvers "I wish that I could talk to you" it was the bomb back in the day...
Posted by: luvmesmsas | March 15, 2008 at 01:27 AM
Also, I very pleased to know that you read your e-mails and that you try and answer them. Stephen keep up the good work that you do and don't let these haters get you down, there are a lot of people who respect you and your work so keep on doing what you do!!
Posted by: luvmesmsas | March 15, 2008 at 01:37 AM
I thought you guys did okay but my catalog would have blown you both out. You're living a dream brother and I'm glad that you are. I remember when I used to think you were Johnny Dawkins doing basketball commentary on Fox. Keep it going brother, you are a great role model for others. I am going to check out that documentary after I get done watching John Adams on HBO. Keep up the good work.
Posted by: ernestmac | March 17, 2008 at 12:05 AM
how about them rockets stephen a. MORON.
still not making the playoffs?
still a fluke?
still not good enough to talk about?
how about 22 in a row and counting, jackass?
Posted by: 64andahalf | March 17, 2008 at 03:03 AM
The Black Magic documentary makes me wonder why black families don’t send their elite young athletes to HBCUs. An influx of Blue Chip athletes would give black colleges tremendous financial wealth, power and prestige. As the black educational institutions grow stronger it would empower and facilitate the hiring of black coaches, black athletic directors, black professors and black university administrators. Blacks continue to allow their best and brightest athletes to enrich white universities instead of building up their own black institutions. There are very few black major college football coaches because because there is no financial pressure on white schools to change their anti-black hiring policies. Year after year, black families reward white universities by sending them great young black football players; even though those schools consistently refuse to hire black head coaches.
Posted by: mrogi | March 17, 2008 at 04:44 PM
After watching the ESPN special "Black Magic",and being an Alum of Winston-Salem State University (Brown Hall Room 203...c/o '04), I am so relieved that our some of our rich history in athletics has finally been revealed. My only question is: "Why wasn't Linsay Hunter mentioned?". He was a modern era lottery pick from an HBCU... What else needs to be said? I know it seems extra critical and particular to find a gripe with such a brilliant documentary, but I had to address this situation. Stephen A. Smith, I believe with all conviction that who you are, what you stand for, your respect for the subject and your integrity will not allow this injustice to go unrecognized. Thank you, I look forward to your response...
Winston
Posted by: Winston | March 17, 2008 at 11:59 PM
Pee Wee Kirkland got way too much face time on the Black Magic documentary. Kirkland was a bum. End of story. More of the film should have been devoted to Earl the Pearl. He was Black Jesus indeed.
Posted by: mrogi | March 18, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Stephen A. I enjoy your blog. I just wish you would be on it more consistently. I also listen to the Morning Show everyday on my way to work and your inputs on the Strawberry Letters are always very entertaining. Get back on your blog game, its been a month! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: RNel4 | March 19, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Stephen A.please refrain from propagating poor English - "more proud"?! I'm hearing the incorrect use of comparative adjectives more and more... how about the correct, "prouder?"
Reading or hearing mistakes like that from people for whom words are their currency cannot make me more angry. More angry?!! Doesn't sound so good, huh? (and to think there are young, black journalists who hang on your every word....)
Posted by: DWil | March 22, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Stephen,
Unfortunately, had to miss the 'Black Magic' doc on ESPN.
Any idea where I might be able to catch another showing anytime soon?
Posted by: khandor | April 20, 2008 at 10:36 PM