Black History Month Great Black Person #6 of 28

Black History Month Great Black Person #6 of 28:

The Braves' New Outfield

I'm the first to admit that I'm not the most physically fit guy in the world, but I do like to think I have fairly strong arms. Is it because I put in my time at the gym or do tons of push-ups every day? No. It's because I've been doing the Tomahawk Chop since I was in diapers. 14 straight division titles worth of chopping really works out those biceps. Yes, I dare say I'm just about the biggest Atlanta Braves fan you'll ever meet. You can imagine, then, how excited I am about the Bravos' starting outfield heading into this season. With Jason Heyward and the Upton brothers roaming the yard, the Braves boast not only the most athletic, but also the most culturally progressive outfield in the majors. Three black guys in the same outfield? I'm pretty sure this is exactly what Martin Luther King was envisioning when he had that dream. Okay, maybe not exactly that... but it feels like a dream come true to me. So thanks Braves outfield, for giving me renewed hope heading into this baseball season; hope, that I pray won't be dashed by another inexplicably botched infield fly rule call in the playoffs.

P.S. - Though he's not black, I'd like to give an honorary shout-out to Martin Prado. I, along with the rest of Atlanta, will truly miss seeing you play every position on the baseball field again this season. Happy Venezuelan History Month, Martin!

Black History Month Great Black Person #5 of 28:

Black History Month Great Black Person #5 of 28:
The Apostrophe

What would Black History Month be without the apostrophe? Why it would be missing out on some very esteemed members! Black history is riddled with prominent figures who were aided by the punctuation mark after it chose to ignore The Man's decree to use itself only in contractions, cases of possession, and in Irish last names. Thank you, Apostrophe, for accompanying Mo'Nique to the stage to accept her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Thanks for helping Amar'e Stoudemire become NBA Rookie of the Year in 2003 and sticking with him through six All-Star Game appearances. Thanks for being there for the hundreds and hundreds of rappers who put "Li'l" in front of their names. And You Gotta Be kidding me if you think I forgot how good you were to soulful singer Des'ree. You may be small, but you've impacted Black History Month in a big way. So let's hear it for the most Civil Rights-minded piece of punctuation out there... Apostrophe, you're the best. Period.

Black History Month Great Black Person #4 of 28:

Black History Month Great Black Person #4 of 28:
Gabby Douglas

I love the Olympics. It's an event that combines two of my very favorite things: sports and screaming "USA! USA!" Of course, both sports and patriotic chants are more fun when you're winning. Enter Gabby Douglas. Despite standing only 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing less than the gold medals she would eventually win, Gabby shined on the Olympic stage, becoming the first black woman to win the individual all-around title in gymnastics. Throw in another gold medal from the team competition and Gabby is one of the most decorated athletes from the London Games. Despite this unparalleled (or is it uneven?) success, including being named AP Female Athlete of the Year for 2012, young Miss Douglas has managed to remain grounded and humble... a refreshing alternative to the egotism of certain other Olympic champions. (Cough cough, Usain Bolt.) So on behalf of the good ol' US of A and Black History Month enthusiasts everywhere, thank you Gabby Douglas... even McKayla is impressed.