Bill Clinton, who has come under much-deserved scrutiny as of late because of the heinous crime bill he signed into law back in 1994 during his first term as president, has seen his long-time good standing with many Melanoid people take hits because of the disproportionately discriminatory (towards Black people) provisions of the crime bill–railroading many Black men and young teenage boys through the prison system like cattle led to slaughter. Given such a notorious track record with countless innocent Melanoid people (along with everything Ali stood for), Clinton’s eulogy speech at this weekend’s service will certainly come as a surprise to many in Black Society.

Muhammad Ali on the other hand, created a legacy that is a stark contrast from Clinton’s. Ali’s legacy was built on the premise of righteousness and an unapologetic embrace of his Blackness–even if it cost him a large fortune to do so. Because of his bold stance against the evils of systematic white supremacy, Ali sacrificed many opportunities to be ‘bought and paid for’ via the guise of substantial monetary gain, which in many instances left his estate up for grabs when a white businessman by the name of Robert F.X. Sillerman purchased a staggering 80 percent of Ali’s name and likeness over a decade ago.

The 42nd president of the United States isn’t alone in delivering the eulogy for the People’s Champ. Comedian Billy Crystal and television host Bryant Gumbel will also contribute parting words at the memorial service held for the public, which will be held in Ali’s hometown of Louisville, Kentucky this upcoming Friday.

B. Clark

The decision to take Mayweather’s title came as a surprise for many, and has rightfully caused outrage from the members of his camp. The story that broke yesterday has re-opened the door of speculation among Melanoid people, particularly members of Black Society who are avid sports fans. For years now, Mr. Mayweather has been the subject of excessive criticism and scorn, which many believe stems from the simple fact that a young Melanoid man such as Floyd Mayweather is fully aware of his talents and impact on the sport of boxing, and makes no apologies about the storied career he has successfully tailored. Another reason of hate for Mayweather is perhaps the reason that is the most glaring: the immense fortune he has amassed from his prolific boxing career. In conjunction with Mayweather’s enviable boxing winnings, one Melanoid man has been a highly instrumental figure in making this happen. His name, you ask? Al Haymon.

Haymon, whose shrewd acumen has been an asset to Floyd Mayweather (Haymon also serves as an adviser to Mayweather), has long been a man in an authoritative position in the world of entertainment. Despite the power moves, Mr. Haymon is for the most part a low-profile figure, instead preferring to call the shots from behind the scenes…”like a boss”. Haymon’s business savvy could be one that Melanoid people in sports take notes from.

Al Haymon (shown on the left) is often recognized as boxing’s “mystery man”, but he’s no mystery to his famous mentee.

The NBA, which to many has been thought of as a Black sport for the past three-plus decades, is no exception to the need for Black ownership. Although Michael Jordan serves as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, the sport which is known as perhaps the world’s “Blackest sport” is severely lacking Black owners to take the reins of some of the other 29 NBA franchises.

NBA legend Michael Jordan has served as the majority of the NBA’s Charlotte franchise since 2010.

During the 2011 NBA lockout which saw the NBA’s owners and players reach a rift in collective bargaining, there were discussions of some of the league’s highest profile players (with most–if not all–of the players in mention being Melanoid) form new basketball teams which would barnstorm around the country, putting up their own money to rent out venues and use their immense talents to put on what would’ve been a highly entertaining display of basketball for fans across the country. The rumors of the basketball players leaving the NBA’s negotiation tables for the prospect of putting their fortunes (and ownership of their basketball related business affairs) even prompted well-known veteran journalist Bryant Gumbel to speak on the restrictive nature of the NBA’s hierarchy. Here is what Gumbel had to say:

“[Then-NBA Commissioner] Stern’s version of what has been going on behind closed doors has of course been disputed, but his efforts were typical of a commissioner who has always seemed eager to be viewed as some kind of modern plantation overseer, treating NBA men as if they were his boys. It’s part of Stern’s M.O., like his past self-serving edicts on dress code and the questioning of officials. His moves were intended to do little more than show how he’s the one keeping the hired hands in their place.”

Gumbel’s criticism of then-NBA Commissioner can be seen in the following video.

The NFL is now generally regarded as America’s most popular sport. The professional football league, which boasts an approximately 70 percent Black population as of the beginning of the 2014 NFL season, has no Black owners residing over any of the league’s 32 franchises.

There is a shared belief in some circles of Black Society that harbor disapproval for Melanoid people being involved in entertainment in any capacity, including sports. However, professional sports, just like manufacturing, retail, healthcare, etc. is a business just like any of the previously mentioned examples that represent various sectors of the economy. While many of us in Black Society have come to a consensus that it is no longer a recommended notion to encourage our youth (particularly our boys) to choose a career as an NBA or NFL player, it is possible that the conversation with our youth can be slightly modified to encourage them to strive for ownership/management positions in sports instead. If much of the entertainment that the dominant society consumes and watches is based on marketing influenced by Black culture, shouldn’t it be wise for us to aim for ownership in entertainment-driven industries such as sports?