Race
Barack Obama and I lead pretty separate lives. But on March 18, 2008, the stars aligned and our words on race hit the media. My piece, Architects and Heroes, showed up in Berkeley’s Daily Planet (Letters to the Editor):
http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/issue/2008-03-18/article/29499
Albeit I am not running for the Presidency, but I am committed to bringing people together across ethnic lines under the aegis of Double Dutch jump rope arts. It just happens naturally with children and this sport.
But something that doesn’t happen as naturally is an awareness of racism. It’s pretty easy to recognize it when it occurs. However, it’s difficult to self-correct our own predispositions and perspectives on race that may incite harm on others.
“But wait, I’m not a racist” you might be quick to say, but I only say that we all have preconceived notions of race, based on the nature of our society, it’s structure, and history. And we all react to the unspoken guidelines regarding race on a daily basis. All I ask is that one try and be mindful when in contact with those who are not of an identical culture of one’s own. Being mindful can begin with respect- but being observant is probably what I most believe is required to truly accept someone where they are; how they are, as who they are.
It's remarkable how the ropes that turn are enticing enough to persuade even the most reluctant child to come closer and imagine what it's like to skip with others- and then do it.
Education
I guess the word is out that Berkeley public schools are ‘pink-slipping.’ If you don’t know what it is like to be told that you will be laid off in a couple of months- be glad. For those it has happened to, the teachers, be woeful. As a teacher who works alongside such committed and talented professionals, it is unfathomable that California is at the lower 50 of state spending per pupil. But day-in and day-out, we as the committed, the underpaid, the hard-working, public school teachers of our little city create sanctuaries and miracles with students. And this is how California’s budget thanks them. Actually it’s a little more tenuous than that. Check out: Student’s Needs, in the link above to the Daily Planet’s Editorial section. The piece is well spoken and informative. As Rakim says, “It ain’t where you from, it’s where you at.”
We are at a difficult venue with regards to public school education in Berkeley right now.
Sport
We at 3d are Double Dutch fanatics,...and jump rope enthusiasts. And as members of USAJR we truly believe in sharing the sport with any and all who want to ‘jump-in.’ What is quite remarkable is how a few guidelines made their way from Harlem to every continent on the planet in an organized fashion in approximately 25 years. Now, with organized jump rope being a little over 35 years old, we are proud to be one of the clubs who look to take jump rope to another level.
But someone who has taken the sport beyond the stratosphere for quite some time is Cindy Joy. Not only is she one of the coaches for the USAJR All-Stars, a founding board member for international rules and regulations, but she still competes in the 50s' up category! Simply put, she is as real as it gets. I met Ms. Joy at the Region 8 Nationals Jump Rope Qualification competition this past Saturday, March 15, 2008 at Santa Clara High school. Her club, Jumping for Joy, hosted and managed the event with world-class cadence. And what performances! I had my young charge with me, 3 year-old red-headed son, so I had to scoot back up to Berkeley before the final events took place. But what a superb happening!
It's an honor to be in such quality company. I am proud of our sport's global tendrils. I am proud of our sports street-side loyalties. I am proud of all the shades of our participants: children, organizers, coaches, parents, and supporters. It is an honor to ‘rock’ the rhymes and rhythms of jumprope. We regularly celebrate dance and music in fusion freestyle. It's amazing to witness the gymnastic element of our activity. These character traits of jump rope arts will keep things fresh and exciting for many, many years to come...for everyone. And we'll be there right along with it. Come rain, shine, and all together.
-BD
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