Magic Johnson – This legend from Lansing, MI showed that a black point guard could do some spectacular things, still get everyone involved and win multiple titles (Five). He's on this list mainly because his courage to disclose his HIV status put a face on HIV/AIDS, which many communities knew all so well. After contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, Johnson published his book, What You Can Do to Avoid AIDS .   Magic is also political because he talks with his dollars and brings businesses and jobs into the 'hood like his own Magic Theatres!

Jack Johnson – Johnson was the best heavyweight boxer of the early 20 th century, becoming the first African-American to hold the heavyweight title in 1908. His unparallel power and success spawned the search for "The Great White Hope"; the man that would redeem boxing for white America. James Jefferies, a popular white fighter, came out of retirement to meet the challenge and was crushed on July 4, 1910, instigating violence from whites and celebration amongst blacks. Despite threats, insults and imprisonment for his interracial marriage, Johnson kept giving facial work and doing damage in the ring.

Tiger Woods – Tiger has to be recognize, if only his game alone right now. He let the world and fellow golfers know, once again, that race has nothing to do with game; it's all about opportunity. Hopefully, as he gets older, he can start to speak and act on issues that concern minorities in the future. Becoming more vocal about the racial politics surrounding golf, Tiger remarked in a recent interview "I thought there would have been more of us now." – Signs of a more politically active Tiger to come?

 Bill Russell - For playing in Boston, a notoriously snooty and racist city, and showing the people of Boston and the world that a black man could use more than his athletic prowess to win championships and he didn't even have to have the big numbers or be a showboat. Oh, by the way, he won 11 'chips in 13 seasons including his last as a player-coach.

O.J. Simpson - Showed that you can be a successful spokesperson in the media during and after your playing days are over. But of course the real reason he's on this list is he also proved that even being black can't stop the all mighty (to some) dollar from helping your cause in a criminal procedure! Think he or Kobe Bryant, for that matter, would have gotten off without the access to the big bills? Didn't think so, this is still America!

Pat Tillman – In today's money and fame driven society, Tillman acted on his belief that serving his country meant more than playing football for cash, which has to be respected no matter what the situation. Tillman died in Iraq, after leaving millions in the NFL as an Arizona Cardinals safety. (He was a damn good player too!).   He could have talked a good game and kept getting paid playing the game but he put his money where his mouth was and that was decent!

 The Williams Sisters (Venus and Serena) – These Compton bred ladies have taken the tennis world by storm winning numerous grand slam titles and showing prowess off the court by designing clothes, modeling, writing and acting. Shoutout to Althea Gibson and Zina Garrison for starting the race! Do I need to mention that these ladies are only in their early twenties! Hopefully they do and talk more, as they get older.

To Be Continued.
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Any questions, comments and/or suggestions email Clayton at clayton@geoclan.com.