Thursday, November 20, 2008
A Remarkable Month, Indeed
While Matt and David were at the Dome this week, there was a remarkably moving event in my town of Williamstown, Massachusetts, the home of Williams College. On Monday night Williams hosted a forum with nine members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including John Lewis, the prominent civil rights leader and since 1987 a Congressman serving the district that includes Atlanta, Georgia.
When they walked into the packed auditorium, we all rose and didn't stop applauding for five minutes. Again, many of us with tears welling up, couldn't believe this event was happening in our relatively isolated rural area, just two weeks after the election of Barack Obama.
When they walked into the packed auditorium, we all rose and didn't stop applauding for five minutes. Again, many of us with tears welling up, couldn't believe this event was happening in our relatively isolated rural area, just two weeks after the election of Barack Obama.
http://www.williams.edu/admin/news/multimedia/video/black_caucus.php
I sat there thinking it was only 47 years ago that, in the fight for desegregation, John Lewis was severely beaten as a Freedom Rider; this was the same year Ernie Davis won the Heisman Award. Lewis was beaten again a few years later on one of the voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery.
In the Q and A following the forum, a student asked how Barack Obama was going to change anything, he was doubtful that meaningful change could ever happen. Congressman Lewis, with the scars from the beatings he suffered still showing on his head, gave the young man a rather stern lecture on the necessity of perseverance, reminding him that the struggle for civil rights and social justice was a life long commitment - and beyond.
I sat there thinking it was only 47 years ago that, in the fight for desegregation, John Lewis was severely beaten as a Freedom Rider; this was the same year Ernie Davis won the Heisman Award. Lewis was beaten again a few years later on one of the voting rights marches from Selma to Montgomery.
In the Q and A following the forum, a student asked how Barack Obama was going to change anything, he was doubtful that meaningful change could ever happen. Congressman Lewis, with the scars from the beatings he suffered still showing on his head, gave the young man a rather stern lecture on the necessity of perseverance, reminding him that the struggle for civil rights and social justice was a life long commitment - and beyond.
This is both, a severely challenging and an inspiring moment in our country. We will need all of the courage and determination that the number 44 has represented at Syracuse University. Indeed, it is a good time to be looking at the photographs of Jimmy Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little. And the time to honor President Obama with the number 44 at the Dome on February 14th.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The American Legend of 44
Last night, pops and I went to the Dome to watch the Syracuse Men's Basketball Team play Richmond. As usual, 44 was everywhere. But on this night, for me, it seemed more visible than ever.
On the way to our seats, we stopped in front of the "Orange Shop" to look at a framed display about the "Legend of 44".
It had photos of Jimmy Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little above summaries of their respective contributions to the legend. Next to that was a large photograph of the encounter between Ernie and JFK in Manhattan, which happened just hours after Ernie became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.
Several banners commemorating the accomplishments of SU's championship teams, and great athletes adorn the upper levels of the Dome. But there is little dispute that the enormous white #44 football jersey that hangs from the rafters is the dominant image.
Recently, I've spent some time thinking about the number "44."
Chip described the positive impact SU's Legend of 44 has had on the lives and Syracuse fans and others in the past and how it has the potential to inspire a new generation of Americans. And pops described how Barack Obama's election as the 44th President of the United States seems to be ushering in a new spirit of reconciliation and ushering out the current climate characterized by rivals on the opposite ends of ideological spectra "hating" on each other.
I seems to me that - even aside from what we know about SU's Legend of 44 - the number 44 is uniquely American. It is uniquely associated with hope and reconciliation.
This is the American Legend of 44.
It started, of course, in 1944 - the year of the American-led Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France. It was a pivotal moment in bringing an end to the most tragic period of unmitigated hate in history of the World. If the 20th Century was "The American Century" then 1944 was "The American Year".
What significance did the number 44 have before 1944?
In my view, none.
For example, what about Psalm 44? Let's just say . . . not particularly hopeful or uplifting.
What about other years containing the number 44? The one significant historical thing I did find was that in the year 44 B.C.E. Brutus and his co-conspirators murdered Julius Caesar. This is the likely the finest example how people "hated on each other" during the Roman Empire.
It seems that the number 44 had little, if any, historical significance before 1944.
But all that changed in on D-Day.
After World War II, the next great American crisis centered around the Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's. And it was during these tumultuous times that SU's Legend of 44 was born.
Maybe it's coincidence.
Maybe it's coincidence that in October 1977, on the heals of a brutal summer in New York City, with its unrelenting heatwave, devastating power outage,
and terrifying serial killings, an African-American slugger wearing a #44 Yankees pin strip jersey clubbed 3 home runs on three successive pitches in Game Six of the World Series to lead the Yankees the World Championship.
And maybe it's a coincidence that the first African-American President of the United States just happens to be the 44th President of the United States.
But . . . then again . . . maybe it's no coincidence at all. Maybe, just maybe, Barack Obama's election as our country's 44th President is the next chapter in the ever-growing American Legend of 44.
On the way to our seats, we stopped in front of the "Orange Shop" to look at a framed display about the "Legend of 44".
It had photos of Jimmy Brown, Ernie Davis, and Floyd Little above summaries of their respective contributions to the legend. Next to that was a large photograph of the encounter between Ernie and JFK in Manhattan, which happened just hours after Ernie became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.
Several banners commemorating the accomplishments of SU's championship teams, and great athletes adorn the upper levels of the Dome. But there is little dispute that the enormous white #44 football jersey that hangs from the rafters is the dominant image.
Recently, I've spent some time thinking about the number "44."
Chip described the positive impact SU's Legend of 44 has had on the lives and Syracuse fans and others in the past and how it has the potential to inspire a new generation of Americans. And pops described how Barack Obama's election as the 44th President of the United States seems to be ushering in a new spirit of reconciliation and ushering out the current climate characterized by rivals on the opposite ends of ideological spectra "hating" on each other.
I seems to me that - even aside from what we know about SU's Legend of 44 - the number 44 is uniquely American. It is uniquely associated with hope and reconciliation.
This is the American Legend of 44.
It started, of course, in 1944 - the year of the American-led Allied invasion of Nazi-occupied France. It was a pivotal moment in bringing an end to the most tragic period of unmitigated hate in history of the World. If the 20th Century was "The American Century" then 1944 was "The American Year".
What significance did the number 44 have before 1944?
In my view, none.
For example, what about Psalm 44? Let's just say . . . not particularly hopeful or uplifting.
What about other years containing the number 44? The one significant historical thing I did find was that in the year 44 B.C.E. Brutus and his co-conspirators murdered Julius Caesar. This is the likely the finest example how people "hated on each other" during the Roman Empire.
It seems that the number 44 had little, if any, historical significance before 1944.
But all that changed in on D-Day.
After World War II, the next great American crisis centered around the Civil Rights Movement of the 50's and 60's. And it was during these tumultuous times that SU's Legend of 44 was born.
Maybe it's coincidence.
Maybe it's coincidence that in October 1977, on the heals of a brutal summer in New York City, with its unrelenting heatwave, devastating power outage,
and terrifying serial killings, an African-American slugger wearing a #44 Yankees pin strip jersey clubbed 3 home runs on three successive pitches in Game Six of the World Series to lead the Yankees the World Championship.And maybe it's a coincidence that the first African-American President of the United States just happens to be the 44th President of the United States.
But . . . then again . . . maybe it's no coincidence at all. Maybe, just maybe, Barack Obama's election as our country's 44th President is the next chapter in the ever-growing American Legend of 44.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Imagine President Obama in This Photograph Wearing a Syracuse # 44 Jersey
President Barack Obama being presented with a number 44 Syracuse University jersey at the Carrier Dome on Februaruy 14th. 
It could happen! If enough people lobby hard enough, than nothing is impossible. The rallying cry is obvious: "Yes we can!" President-elect Obama would certainly approve of this effort. I am sure other colleges will be trying to do something similar, but Syracuse has an upper hand. With the hook of the number 44 being so significant, and hard on the heels of the long over-due movie of Ernie Davis, I cannot see how the University can avoid making a strong effort to help kick-off the Obama Presidency with this exciting and inspiring event.
Who else has any ideas that can build grassroots momentum toward making this happen? Where are our fellow community organizers out there?
It could happen! If enough people lobby hard enough, than nothing is impossible. The rallying cry is obvious: "Yes we can!" President-elect Obama would certainly approve of this effort. I am sure other colleges will be trying to do something similar, but Syracuse has an upper hand. With the hook of the number 44 being so significant, and hard on the heels of the long over-due movie of Ernie Davis, I cannot see how the University can avoid making a strong effort to help kick-off the Obama Presidency with this exciting and inspiring event.Who else has any ideas that can build grassroots momentum toward making this happen? Where are our fellow community organizers out there?
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Ten Reasons Why SU Should Honor President-elect Obama at the Dome on February 14th
1) Number 44 at SU represents achievement, success, and hope – something the country sorely needs at this critical time.
2) Sports has always played an inspirational role in modern American life.
3) This will have a powerfully uplifting effect on both the college community and all of Central New York.
4) Young people will be especially inspired. I was 14 years old in August 1964 when President Lyndon Baines Johnson gave a speech at the dedication of the Newhouse Communications Center. His motorcade stopped in front of me on Salina Street and I was somehow able to shake his hand, you think, as a 14 year-old, I wasn't thrilled?
5) President-elect Obama is a sports fan, this will help in the recruiting efforts for all SU sports.
6) Perhaps Jim Boeheim could use another assistant. I bet his players would respond well to Coach Obama's guidance (and heck, watching videos of him playing hoop, he moves well to his left, no pun intended).
7) With all of the challenges facing the country, we could use a moment of levity.
8) Would help souvenir sales at the Dome, who wouldn't buy a commemorative S.U. Barack 44 jersey?
9) Would alleviate symptoms of upstate New York cabin fever that typically set in about mid February.
10) Most importantly, would motivate the Orange to beat Georgetown. I like the idea of bi-partisan spirit too, but first things first!
2) Sports has always played an inspirational role in modern American life.
3) This will have a powerfully uplifting effect on both the college community and all of Central New York.
4) Young people will be especially inspired. I was 14 years old in August 1964 when President Lyndon Baines Johnson gave a speech at the dedication of the Newhouse Communications Center. His motorcade stopped in front of me on Salina Street and I was somehow able to shake his hand, you think, as a 14 year-old, I wasn't thrilled?
5) President-elect Obama is a sports fan, this will help in the recruiting efforts for all SU sports.
6) Perhaps Jim Boeheim could use another assistant. I bet his players would respond well to Coach Obama's guidance (and heck, watching videos of him playing hoop, he moves well to his left, no pun intended).
7) With all of the challenges facing the country, we could use a moment of levity.
8) Would help souvenir sales at the Dome, who wouldn't buy a commemorative S.U. Barack 44 jersey?
9) Would alleviate symptoms of upstate New York cabin fever that typically set in about mid February.
10) Most importantly, would motivate the Orange to beat Georgetown. I like the idea of bi-partisan spirit too, but first things first!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Barack's Big Day
Just about ten weeks from now, Barack Obama will take the oath of office as the forty-fourth (that's the 44th) President of the United States. Five minutes later, here's a short list of the problems he'll be expected to fix: global financial crisis, exploding federal deficit, crumbling U.S. infrastructure, two wars, dependence on foreign oil, global warming, healthcare system in crisis. Beyond that, people are going to look to him to heal the racial divide, to redefine politics as we know it, to restore confidence in America, to end conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, and to bring everyone together. Everyone.
Forget about the fact that, right now, we can't seem to solve a single one of these problems. Or that Barack's honeymoon with the media will, in all likelihood, end even before the inauguration. How about the likelihood that he will start making enemies the moment he begins trying to solve a single one of these issues? Just by way of example, let's say he endorses nuclear power, in order to reduce reliance on foreign oil, as well as our collective carbon footprint. That seems to me to be one of the easier issues facing him, but do you think the anti-nuclear faction, the dedicated tree-huggers, are going to give him a free pass? Not likely.
After I first proposed Barack in the Dome, I thought it was a trivial suggestion. After all, the rest of mankind was looking for him to fix the entire world, while all I wanted was for him to go get a 44 jersey with his name on it. But after considering the enormity of the tasks facing Barack on day one of his presidency, I'm thinking that a day in the Dome isn't such a bad idea, either for Barack, or for the nation. I mean, what harm can come from it? Let's say he shows up on February 14 as I've suggested. He can sit in section 108 with me; I've got an extra ticket. Or if the Secret Service guys aren't comfortable with that idea (maybe someone will spill beer on him in their excitement), I'm sure the University will find a box for him and his entourage. Halftime, he gets to go on the court, get a kiss from Julie Boeheim and Chancellor Cantor, and then Dr. Gross will give him the shirt. Even the G-Town players will dig that. The dome will swell up with all the love. And then, Barack gets to take a couple hours off and watch a Big East basketball game. How could that be bad?
Next day he's back in DC, once again trying to solve all the world's problems, but for one afternoon in February, he's just a fan. He's just chilling in the Dome with 33,000 other Big East fanatics; eating a meatball sandwich from the Italian Stand, and enjoying a Middle Ages Syracuse Pale Ale. So even though it may sound frivolous; it's really therapeutic. It will give Barack a day off, some badly needed R&R; and it will also help him on this bringing everyone together thing. I mean, if Georgetown fans and Cuse fans can both get behind this idea, well then maybe everything is possible after all.
Forget about the fact that, right now, we can't seem to solve a single one of these problems. Or that Barack's honeymoon with the media will, in all likelihood, end even before the inauguration. How about the likelihood that he will start making enemies the moment he begins trying to solve a single one of these issues? Just by way of example, let's say he endorses nuclear power, in order to reduce reliance on foreign oil, as well as our collective carbon footprint. That seems to me to be one of the easier issues facing him, but do you think the anti-nuclear faction, the dedicated tree-huggers, are going to give him a free pass? Not likely.
After I first proposed Barack in the Dome, I thought it was a trivial suggestion. After all, the rest of mankind was looking for him to fix the entire world, while all I wanted was for him to go get a 44 jersey with his name on it. But after considering the enormity of the tasks facing Barack on day one of his presidency, I'm thinking that a day in the Dome isn't such a bad idea, either for Barack, or for the nation. I mean, what harm can come from it? Let's say he shows up on February 14 as I've suggested. He can sit in section 108 with me; I've got an extra ticket. Or if the Secret Service guys aren't comfortable with that idea (maybe someone will spill beer on him in their excitement), I'm sure the University will find a box for him and his entourage. Halftime, he gets to go on the court, get a kiss from Julie Boeheim and Chancellor Cantor, and then Dr. Gross will give him the shirt. Even the G-Town players will dig that. The dome will swell up with all the love. And then, Barack gets to take a couple hours off and watch a Big East basketball game. How could that be bad?
Next day he's back in DC, once again trying to solve all the world's problems, but for one afternoon in February, he's just a fan. He's just chilling in the Dome with 33,000 other Big East fanatics; eating a meatball sandwich from the Italian Stand, and enjoying a Middle Ages Syracuse Pale Ale. So even though it may sound frivolous; it's really therapeutic. It will give Barack a day off, some badly needed R&R; and it will also help him on this bringing everyone together thing. I mean, if Georgetown fans and Cuse fans can both get behind this idea, well then maybe everything is possible after all.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Barack in the Dome
Last week, Barack Obama became the first African-American president-elect in the history of the republic. When he takes the oath of office next January, he will become the 44th president of the United States.
A couple weeks ago, my good friend, Matt Lembke and I went to the theatre and watched The Express, a movie about Ernie Davis, All-American running back for Syracuse University, who was the first African-American to win the Heisman trophy. Ernie Davis wore the number 44 on his jersey when he played for SU. Does that sound like a mere coincidence? I don't think so.
Now I can't take credit for this epiphany; it was my friend Matt who brought this association to my attention. And it was also Matt's idea that Barack's election should be commemorated by the University presenting him with his own 44 jersey. Only this presentation shouldn't occur in the White House, or on the south lawn; it should take place on center court in the Carrier Dome. After all Barack is a big basketball fan himself, and what venue better represents college basketball than the Dome?
The goal of this blog is, therefore, to bring Barack to Syracuse for the presentation of his 44 jersey. I haven't checked with the University about this, but I can't imagine anyone there would object. Still, instead of sending an e-mail to the chancellor, I think it should be a grass roots movement; although I'm not opposed to invoking the aid of others with SU connections, such as vice-president-elect Joe Biden, who after all attended Syracuse Law School, and ought to be a fan.
So we're not sure how this is going to work, but if you're behind this idea, send an e-mail with a link, or post a link to this blog (barack44.blogspot.com) on your blog, or on your webpage, or in your newspaper, or on a billboard along Route 81. Let's get this done. And by the way, I've picked the perfect date for the presentation -- Saturday, Feb. 14, when Georgetown comes to the dome. It's Valentine's day, and as far as I can tell, ever since Barack got elected, it's all about the love; hating on each other is out. So Valentine's Day is perfect, don't you think?
A couple weeks ago, my good friend, Matt Lembke and I went to the theatre and watched The Express, a movie about Ernie Davis, All-American running back for Syracuse University, who was the first African-American to win the Heisman trophy. Ernie Davis wore the number 44 on his jersey when he played for SU. Does that sound like a mere coincidence? I don't think so.
Now I can't take credit for this epiphany; it was my friend Matt who brought this association to my attention. And it was also Matt's idea that Barack's election should be commemorated by the University presenting him with his own 44 jersey. Only this presentation shouldn't occur in the White House, or on the south lawn; it should take place on center court in the Carrier Dome. After all Barack is a big basketball fan himself, and what venue better represents college basketball than the Dome?
The goal of this blog is, therefore, to bring Barack to Syracuse for the presentation of his 44 jersey. I haven't checked with the University about this, but I can't imagine anyone there would object. Still, instead of sending an e-mail to the chancellor, I think it should be a grass roots movement; although I'm not opposed to invoking the aid of others with SU connections, such as vice-president-elect Joe Biden, who after all attended Syracuse Law School, and ought to be a fan.
So we're not sure how this is going to work, but if you're behind this idea, send an e-mail with a link, or post a link to this blog (barack44.blogspot.com) on your blog, or on your webpage, or in your newspaper, or on a billboard along Route 81. Let's get this done. And by the way, I've picked the perfect date for the presentation -- Saturday, Feb. 14, when Georgetown comes to the dome. It's Valentine's day, and as far as I can tell, ever since Barack got elected, it's all about the love; hating on each other is out. So Valentine's Day is perfect, don't you think?
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