Conversations... with Dad

Sunday, February 15, 2009

John Carlos and Tommie Smith Return to Mexico City

"What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined to strengthen each other... to be at one with each other in silent unspeakable memories." George Elliot

There were many photos taken during the 1960's that could define that period of time. This one stands among them. So what was it that these two very young men were thinking at that moment in time? How and why did they decide to make this statement, and what was it they were really saying. The 1968 Olympics truly mirrored the politics of a period. Today at 4pm ESPN will broadcast a special of John Carlos and Timmie Smith's return to Mexico City. And documents these two friends as they reflect on the 1968 Olympics, and a moment in time.

40th Anniversary

This is a post from my Facebook account this morning. It took me awhile to get it posted because I'm not really adept with the nuances of posting. It was an exceptional piece. It is my hope that ESPN will produce a DVD for purchase, they should at least rerun it--and not just during the "short month" (otherwise known as Black History Month). I think we should start making some requests. I hope you all had the opportunity to see it. There are some clips posted on ESPN. There are 4 of them. Check them out:

Note: some of the ESPN links are no longer viewable. You can view them on YOUTUBE.

OTher Videos:

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About this Blog

My father died in 2003, 6 months after my mother. After his death, one of the things I missed most was our conversations. So I started this blog. We would sit at the kitchen table or on the front porch and have these long, philosophical conversations about the state of everything. Then we would solve all of the world's problems over a cigarette and a cup of coffee. One of the warmest memories I have was of him sitting on the front porch talking to me while I painted around him. It was the beginning of summer and he was commenting on how he wished he could pick up a brush and help. He often would read something from the paper and then voice his righteous indignation. It would end with a "It's a damn shame!" or "They must think we're stupid." I miss that. I miss the bond we shared around joint perspectives. And I miss the knowledge that could only come from one seasoned with so many life experiences, especially now that I have come to the point in my life that I know the real important questions to ask. I am 60 years old, and came of age during the '60s. I'm a proud boomer. I remember when poets poeted

Writers wrote... Actors acted out, Painters created art from everything and anything that remained still long enough to be painted

and there was truly civil disobedience at the very thought of someone taking away any of our freedoms.

And the world began to shift... A little. Well, I took a rest. And it must have been a long rest. I feel like Rip Van Winkle. Anyway, by the time I REALLY woke up things were shifting back. Way back. And right now, I gotta say I'm feeling like it's gonna take more thin I got to turn this around. And my dad's not here to share my anger, to talk about our outrage, and to answer my questions. So here is where I can have the conversations I would have with him if he were still here and we could share a cigarette and a cup of coffee on his front porch.