There were seven black coaches in the 2006-2007 NFL season, and two of them are going to be in Miami on Sunday. Tony Dungy, coaching the Indianapolis Colts, and Lovie Smith, coaching the Chicago Bears, will be vying for the title of Super Bowl XLI champions.
Unfortunately, the main story of these AFC and NFC champions is not about a prolific quarterback, or a hard-hitting linebacker but the color of the coaches’ skin.
The coaches’ names are etched in history, but their race should not be the reason why.
Smith came from the St. Louis Rams and rebuilt a struggling Bears team, giving the Windy City a reason to “Super Bowl Shuffle” again.
And Dungy has overcome several demons in his life. From his oldest son’s suicide in 2005 and returning the next season to play in Miami, to finally knocking out the Patriots in the playoffs.
Dungy and Smith are more than just great black coaches; they’re great coaches. To base every Super Bowl story about their race proves racism is still prevalent.
This nation should long be past the time where seeing a black person in a prominent role – be it a corporate, entertainment or athletic role – should be a shocker.
Instead of concentrating on their epidermal traits, the coverage should concentrate on their accomplishments. Only then will blacks in such outstanding positions not feel separated by racial boundaries.
Anthony Anamelechi for the Editorial Board.