The dismantling of systemic racism always comes at a price. This is because those who benefit from the system are reluctant to let it go. The longer the system has been in place, the viler the response to change, from those who are the beneficiaries of the current system. Further, it is often embedded in the second and third generation, simply because that is all they have known. However, it only takes a few brave souls to begin to dismantle it. The hope and prayer is that their courage will become contagious!
You may have heard about the recent events involving NASCAR, the Stock Car Auto Racing organization. NASCAR was formed in February of 1948. The Daytona 500 event debuted in 1959. The Talladega speedway was built in 1969.
The FIRST African American NASCAR driver was Wendell Scott. Scott began his career in the South in the midst of the Jim Crow Era and it’s stinging effects in 1952. He debuted in his first NASCAR race in 1961.
Bubba Wallace became the first African American to race in the Daytona 500 since Wendell Scott in early 2018. His second place finish at Daytona was the highest finish ever by an African-American in the Daytona 500, and it was the highest finish by an African-American in a NASCAR top series in 47 years.
Being the only African American full time NASCAR driver has come at a price. Assimilation is the absorption and integration of people, ideas, or culture. As long as Bubba Wallace “assimilated” into NASCAR culture, most saw him as a non-threatening fellow driver. Never a “good ole boy” but pretty doggone close to it! They even waved the confederate flag in his face. You may ask, “Why is this a problem?” I’ve heard it explained this way; the confederate flag is to African Americans, what the swastika is to persons of Jewish heritage. It is interesting that those who wouldn’t dream of having a swastika on a monument, have no problem with a confederate one. Bubba has endured micro-aggression(s) and other acts of both covert and overt racism. He keeps his head up & never shares ALL he endures. When I think about this, I can only imagine what Wendell Scott endured!!
Bubba recently announced his support of & engagement in the Black Lives Matter movement. This brought an even greater onslaught of racism and backlash. He spent the first several days engaging in the “All Lives Matter vs Black Lives Matter” argument. (You know... “HELP, HELP, My House is on fire... please send the fire truck!!!” Response: “Well...Wait….what about MY house...ALL houses matter, right?” ... Yes, but my house is the one on FIRE!! )
What gave his statement teeth was the following: Bubba’s bold declaration to fight racism within his sport, having his car labeled “Black Lives Matter”, having his uniform labeled “Black Lives Matter” and the support of the leader of NASCAR, Steve Phelps.
Last weekend, “a noose” was found in Bubba’s stall at the racetrack. If you are not aware of why this is such a big deal, google the word, “Lynching”. Yesterday, in a show of solidarity, the entire track was filled with Bubba’s colleagues who joined together to push his car down the track and to let him know……. WE STAND WITH YOU! It is quite possible that the person who left the noose is among them. However, I can tell you from personal experience that feelings of joy and gratitude overwhelm you when your peers and colleagues become allies and join you beyond "talk" & stand with you in "actions" . Here’s what it communicates....I SEE YOU! ️️️️️
I LOVE this picture! This is a picture of “Contagious Courage”….
Update: Following an investigation over the weekend, it was announced that the noose found in Bubba’s stall had been there for awhile and that the investigation has ended. According to NASCAR president, Steve Phelps, further findings of the investigation indicate that after a search of 1,684 garage stalls at the 29 tracks the league uses, “They found 11 total ropes that had a pulldown rope tied in a knot,” he said, “and just one noose: The one in Bubba Wallaces’s garage.”
