Gender Equality of the Future

By: Jimbo Brown

            I usually have an intro for you guys but today I had to get straight to the point. Over the weekend in the Alaska, a transgender teen was able to compete in the state championship track meet against the girls. Nattaphon Wangyot (have fun pronouncing that) who was born male and now identifies as a female was allowed to place 5^th in the 100m and 3^rd in the 200m dashes. The fact he didn’t dominate these races is the most disturbing. Back to the real problem is gender equality.

“I’m glad that this person is comfortable with who they are and they’re able to be happy in who they are, but I don’t think it’s competitively completely 100 percent fair,” Hutchison High School senior Saskia Harrison told a local CBS affiliate.

Gender equality has been a battle for our country since its birth in the yester years. Women are now seeing the success of their efforts throughout the history of sports. The battle is far from over. Over the years, we have added a new gender into the equation of life. The Transgendered. I have no problems with anyone who feels the need to change their gender. I believe one solution with solve this problem. For sports and in life we have to treat them as separate genders.

You will have Transgendered males and females. Requiring them to be recognized on official documents, exclusive restrooms and separate teams in sports. This will consider them independent and have the privacy of any male or female would have. This will keep the competitive advantages equal. Even though you may have the make-up of a male/female you have may have took hormones and PEDs given you another advantage that male/female get punished for.

The US government has to change their traditional ways of thinking and move into this new world we live in. The world has changed and if our mindset doesn’t change we will be doomed in the future. 

Deeper Than Sports!

Athletes have become more than just players on the field or court. We grew up wanting to shoot, catch, and run like them for years, now we can even dream to emulate them off the playing field. Athletes are proving themselves to be more human than ever pushing for more success just as do we. Aside from the die-hard dedication given to their own devoted sport they are making plays in the board rooms.

Once I saw Serena Williams “twerking” in Beyonce’s new anthem video “Sorry”. I knew there was nothing she couldn’t do. Seriously, we are coming to see more and more athletes venturing into other avenues and we’re here for it! Of course a feature in a video has been done this not her only endeavor.  Williams has been serious about branding herself. Delving in fashion she has her own clothing line and her collections have been seen at critically acclaimed fashion shows.  She is part owner of the Miami Dolphins and has done voice overs and appearances on multiple television shows. All while dominating the tennis court. See any signs of Serena Williams slowing up? …. 

Boy BYE!

Serena is not the only athlete that we know holding it down on and off the court. Many athletes are using their initial sports recognition to take them down other paths.

 I asked Siri how many sources of income the average millionaire had and dozens of articles read "seven or more". I think some of these athletes asked Siri the same question and got the memo. Endorsements are nothing new to the sports world but they are not relying on those alone.

Sports do not last forever and though the case may be true for former Laker Kobe Bryant, he’s not done working. It is said that he will be trademarking the name “Black Mamba” and has founded Kobe Studios. He intends to bring the story of others’ to life through an assortment of media outlets. 

Stories of athletes going further and pushing the limits are important because they are idolized by our youth. Kids want to be like Lebron or Curry more than they do FAMU graduate and Microsoft Chairmen, John Thompson. 

Having any of those individuals as an idol is great but letting the youth know not to set limitations on themselves is the ultimate lesson and best example they could give. 

Lets talk about athletes doing more than just their first job and show the world brains and bronze can be the perfect recipe. The boundaries to our creativity and passions can be endless so why limit ourselves? Athletes have shown us how perfecting our craft can take us to higher places but once your there the climb does not end. We have to strive to be better and allow ourselves the opportunity to manifest multiple opportunities and showcase all of the many talents we possess. Challenge yourself to be more than just enough. I'm more than a striving college student. What are you more than?  

Stepping into 88 Blessings Recap

The love mothers have for their child is indescribable by words. No matter the circumstances their family is in you can count on the mother to find a way to make it happen. Over the weekend Erica Wilson held the inaugural event of her 88Blessings foundation that’s geared towards helping single moms.  Ms. Wilson is the mother of Jacksonville Jaguars newly re-signed wide receiver Allen Hurns. She is a single mom that pushed her son to follow his dreams and she’ll take care of the things he couldn’t control.

A portion of the event dedicated to honor Hurns resigning to a new 4-year/40 million dollar deal. The amount of the contract hasn’t changed the person Hurns has been his entire life. He is humbled and appreciative of the deal. “Its only the beginning” Hurns utters as fans congratulate him on the success. Special guest Drew Rosenhaus (Allen’s Agent) gave a few remarks on Erica and Hurns relationship, “I never seen a mother/son relationship like this; I wish me and my daughter grow to have a relationship like there.” The unconditional love between the two is what drove Hurns to work hard to gain this substantial amount in the contract.

An silent auction was held to raise money for the foundation. Thousands of dollars was raised for the foundation to kick-off their charitable duties. 

It was a marvelous event to honor 88 single mothers throughout the state of Florida. The mothers were showered with gifts and recognition of their hard work and dedication to their respective families. Jacksonville native and American Idol contestant Tyanna Jones added a stellar performance of Fantasia’s Lose To Win song. Her voice led many of the audience members to become emotional with tears of joy. The song empathizes what single mothers go through to make sure their family have the essentials of everyday life.