Emotional Fragility Forces Osaka Out of French Open
Four years ago, Naomi Osaka displayed an unexpected level of greatness with racket-in-hand at the U.S. Open by upsetting Serena Williams, 6-2, 6-4 in a [...]
Racism at Core of Nation’s Ongoing Social Woes
Sociologist/historian W.E. B. Dubois noted in his book, The Souls of Black Folk, published in 1903 that the ‘problem of the 20th century is the [...]
Henry Livas, Jr. (1938 -2021) – Arthur Ashe’s Nemesis (with an asterisk)
Before Arthur Ashe became Virginia’s No. 1 black junior tennis player, Henry Livas, Jr. was the states’ top black teen. During the era of racial [...]
U.S. Voters Pick 1: Back to Democracy or Road to Despotism
“We don’t need someone who can think. we need someone with enough digits to hold a pen.” - Grover Norquist, Republican strategist, In 2012 [...]
John Lewis’ Tentacles of Goodness Also Touched the Tennis World
A week-long celebration of the life of U.S. Congressman John R. Lewis ends in Georgia Thursday where the legendary Civil Rights leader will be buried, [...]
The Conscience of Congress’ Legacy Marches On
“I want to see young people in America feel the spirit of the 1960s and find a way to get in the way. To find [...]
Superstars and Tennis’ Rising Stars Back Black Lives Matter Movement
America’s superstars aren’t the only athletes condemning the deaths of blacks-while-breathing while in police custody and praising hundreds of thousands of protesters, who’ve spent more [...]
Racism: Problem of the 20th Century Moves On
As I slid my key into the front door of my parents’ Hampton, Va. apartment, I heard screeching car wheels slide to a halt about [...]
Les Payne: Consummate Journalist, Fearless Ally, Unswerving Friend – Part III
Part III While tennis great Arthur Ashe broke racial barriers in South Africa in 1973 by becoming the first black to compete in a pro [...]