Black History
Dominique Dawes: The Golden Journey of a Gymnastics Pioneer
Dawes’s impact on gymnastics extends beyond her Olympic achievements. After the 1996 Games, she continued to compete and inspire. She participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
By Tamara Shiloh
Dominique Dawes was born on Nov. 20, 1976, in Silver Spring, Maryland.
She was six years old when she discovered she loved gymnastics. Her parents, Don and Loretta Dawes, recognized her natural talent and enrolled her in gymnastics classes. Under the guidance of coach Kelli Hill, Dawes’s skills quickly improved.
Dawes’s dedication and hard work paid off as she began to make a name for herself in national competitions. At just 10 years old, she competed in her first junior national championships. She placed 17th in the all-around junior division at her first U.S. National Championships in 1988. In 1989, she competed in her first international meet, the Konica Grand Prix in Australia. By the early 1990s, she was achieving success both nationally and internationally. Dawes placed 3rd in the all-around in the junior division at the 1990 U.S. National Championships.
At the 1992 USA vs. Japan dual meet, Dawes, then 15 years old, received a standing ovation after a resounding floor routine in which she revived the back-to-back tumbling revolutionized by Soviet star Oksana Omelianchik. The judges were equally impressed and gave her a perfect 10. And even though she was not part of the 1991 World Championship team, she continued to move up on the national and international scene throughout 1991 and 1992.
Dawes’s career reached new heights when she competed in her first Olympics at the 1992 Barcelona Games. Although she was just 15 years old, Dawes performed with the confidence and skill of a seasoned gymnast. She played a crucial role in helping the U.S. team secure a bronze medal.
However, it was the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that solidified her place in history. As a member of the “Magnificent Seven,” the first U.S. women’s gymnastics team to win gold in the team competition, Dawes’s contributions were critical. Her performance during the floor exercise earned her widespread praise and a place in the hearts of gymnastics enthusiasts around the world.
Dawes’s impact on gymnastics extends beyond her Olympic achievements. After the 1996 Games, she continued to compete and inspire. She participated in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s greats.
In 2010, Dawes was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, a fitting recognition of her contributions to the sport. She has also been involved in various initiatives to promote physical fitness and healthy living among young people.
Today, Dawes is also the owner of the Dominique Dawes Gymnastics & Ninja Academies in her home state of Maryland.
Activism
OPINION: Why the N-Word Should Be Eliminated from Schools: A Call to Educators, Parents and Students
The N-word’s use in schools, intentionally or otherwise, preserves a cycle of racial abuse, degradation, and discrimination which are violations to the dignity of African American students. Its usage perpetuates a legacy of hate and is a dignity violation that makes it a pressing issue for educators to address. Not addressing use of the N word in school contradicts the principles of equity and inclusion that educational institutions strive to uphold.
By Zetha A. Nobles,
The presence and rampant use of the N-word in educational settings poses significant challenges to the social-emotional learning (SEL) and psychological well-being of students and teachers.
The historical and contemporary usage of the N-word carries deep-seated racial connotations and trauma, making it imperative to address its impact in the school environment.
Here’s why the N-word should be eradicated from schools and its detrimental effects on SEL and psychological health.
Historical Context and Significance
The use of the N-word is considered a severe violation of dignity due to its deeply hurtful and dehumanizing nature. The N-word is historically rooted in a long and sordid history of racism, oppression and dehumanization.
It was and is used to dehumanize, degrade, demean and denigrate African American people. Its historical presence is marked by extreme violence and pernicious systemic oppression.
Despite the evolving societal appropriation and the exploitation of the word in hip hop music and other media forms, its controversial use has morphed or mutated into a word now used to signify friendship or endearment.
In schools its use is complex, representing camaraderie, being cool and defiant while consciously and unconsciously dehumanizing African American students and staff.
The N-word has a long history of being used as a tool of oppression and degradation against Black people. It was employed during periods of slavery, segregation, and ongoing racial discrimination to strip individuals of their humanity and reinforce systemic racism.
Its use is a painful reminder of this history and the ongoing struggle against racism. Its impact:
- Dehumanization: When the N-word is used, it reduces Black individuals to a derogatory stereotype, stripping away their identity and worth as human beings. It perpetuates the idea that certain groups are inferior and unworthy of respect and dignity.
- Impact on Self-Worth: Hearing or being called the N-word can have profound psychological and emotional impacts, leading to feelings of shame, anger, and diminished self-worth. It communicates to individuals that they are lesser or undeserving solely because of their race.
- Interpersonal Harm: The use of the N-word in interpersonal interactions conveys disrespect, hostility, and a lack of regard for the feelings and dignity of others. It undermines efforts to build inclusive and respectful relationships.
- Symbol of Structural Injustice: The N-word symbolizes larger societal injustices and inequalities. Its continued use reflects ongoing racial prejudice and discrimination, perpetuating harmful attitudes and behaviors.
Given these reasons, using the N-word is not just a matter of inappropriate language; it represents a significant violation of human dignity and reinforces harmful racial stereotypes and hierarchies. It is crucial to reject and actively challenge the use of this word to promote equality, respect, and dignity for all individuals.
In schools, the word retains its harmful and damaging impact and remains a powerful symbol of racial animosity. The N-word’s use in schools, intentionally or otherwise, preserves a cycle of racial abuse, degradation, and discrimination which are violations to the dignity of African American students. Its usage perpetuates a legacy of hate and is a dignity violation that makes it a pressing issue for educators to address. Not addressing use of the N word in school contradicts the principles of equity and inclusion that educational institutions strive to uphold.
Impact on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning is crucial for students’ development as it encompasses the skills needed to manage emotions, establish positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The use of the N-word in schools disrupts this process in several key and critical ways:
- Emotional Trauma: The N-word is a trigger for emotional pain, particularly for African American students and teachers. It can evoke feelings of anger, sadness, shame and humiliation, which hinder the ability to engage fully in the learning process.
- Hostile Learning Environment: A safe and supportive learning environment is essential for effective SEL. The use of the N-word creates a hostile and unsafe atmosphere, leading to increased anxiety, disrespect, and stress among students and teachers.
- Relationship Building: One of the goals of SEL is to foster positive relationships. The use of derogatory language such as the N-word fosters division and mistrust among students and staff.
Psychological Impact on Students and Teachers
The psychological effects of the N-word on students and teachers are profound and far-reaching. For students, especially those of African American descent, the word can lead to feelings of inferiority and exclusion. This not only affects their academic performance but also their self-esteem and mental health. Studies have shown that exposure to racial slurs can increase levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
For teachers, addressing the use of the N-word in the classroom is a significant challenge. It places an emotional burden on them, particularly for teachers of color who may feel personally targeted. The stress of managing such situations can lead to burnout and affect their ability to provide a supportive learning environment.
Strategies for Eliminating the N-Word from Schools
To effectively eliminate the N-word from schools, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Here are some strategies:
- Clear Policies and Consequences: Schools must implement and enforce policies that explicitly prohibit the use of the N-word and other derogatory language. Clear consequences for violations should be established and communicated to all members of the school community.
- Cultural Competency Training: Providing cultural competency and anti-racism training for teachers, staff, and students can foster a more inclusive and respectful environment. This training should include the historical context of the N-word and its impact on individuals and communities as well as alternative language.
- Support Systems: Schools should offer culturally congruent support systems, such as counseling and peer support groups, for students and teachers affected by the use of the N-word. These resources can help individuals process their experiences, mitigate psychological harm and co-create a culture of dignity.
- Community Engagement: Engaging the broader school community, including parents and local organizations, in dialogue about the impact of the N-word can reinforce the school’s commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive environment.
In addition to the moral and ethical arguments against the use of the N-word, there are also legal and policy considerations that support its prohibition in schools. Many school districts have anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies that explicitly prohibit the use of derogatory language, including racial slurs. The use of the N-word in schools can lead to disciplinary actions and legal consequences for both students and staff who violate these policies.
Furthermore, federal laws such as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Schools that fail to address the use of the N-word and other forms of racial harassment may be in violation of these laws, potentially resulting in investigations and penalties from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
Addressing the N-word in educational settings is not just about prohibiting a word; it is about dismantling a symbol of hate and fostering an environment where all students and teachers can thrive.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of September 11 -17, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of September 11 – 17, 2024
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Black History
Reception for Marin City Legacy Exhibit
Godfrey Lee, “The Legacy of Marin City, A California Black History Story (1942-1960),” Civic Center Library, San Rafael, on Thursday, Sept. 5, the Marin County Free Library, Black history in California, Black Americans, Felecia Gaston, “A Brand. New Start . . . This is Home,” Andre Thierry, www.marinlibrary.org
By Godfrey Lee
A reception honoring the exhibit “The Legacy of Marin City, A California Black History Story (1942-1960),” will be held at the Civic Center Library, 3501 Civic Center Drive, in San Rafael, on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
According to the Marin County Free Library, this exhibit will be on view at the Civic Center Library and at all 10 branches of the Marin County Free Library and will showcase the story of Black history in California and the nation, revealing the true-life stories of Black Americans with tremendous faith, courage, heart. and soul.
Felecia Gaston, the curator and author of “A Brand. New Start . . . This is Home,” will be speaking. Andre Thierry will also be performing.
All library events are free. Call 415-473-6057 or visit www.marinlibrary.org for more information.
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