Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)
The Washington Wizards are celebrating Black History Month by having members of their front office share anecdotes about the people who inspire them.
The Wizards defined “inspire” on the team’s website:
A person who “inspires” you is someone who fills you with the urge or ability to do or feel something specific. A person who “inspires” you is someone you respect and admire; someone you want to emulate.
A completely fitting and reasonable way of observing Black History Month. However, splicing the face of someone like the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. with Wizards owner Ted Leonsis is just a little bit awkward.
Perhaps even more outrageous is having mascot G-Wiz juxtaposed with U.S. Air Force general and commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. Davis’ father, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr., was the first African-American general in the U.S. Army.
NBA.com/Screenshot
Luther and Davis changed history. They fought for freedom. They inspired generations to follow their example.
Ted Leonsis owns a basketball team. G-Wiz isn’t a real person.
In a way, that’s the point. Ordinary people trying to live out the example of extraordinary heroes. Unfortunately, the presentation muddles that message and we are left comparing WWII heroes with furry blue mascots.
