Black Magic

Black Magic premiered on ESPN Sunday night (pt. 1) and Monday night (pt. 2). So far I've watched the first part and it's been nothing but amazing. The documentary profiles black America's struggle to break into being able to play basketball. From lesser-known individuals like John McClendon and Bob Love to the greats like Earl "the Pearl" Monroe and John Cheney, the film does a great job of breaking down the struggles of blacks in America to not only play basketball and be accepted, but to overcome the struggles of segregation and integrate with society.

The most telling moment of the struggle so far came from Perry Wallace, who was the first black player in the SEC. He recalls at one point in the film the day that JFK was assassinated. He was sitting in class, someone came and whispered in the professor's ear, and the professor promptly dismissed class. Then, as Wallace walked outside, he saw everyone cheering in the streets, waving Confederate flags and celebrating the death of the nation's president. Wallace was so disgusted, he said he sat in his room for four days and didn't come out. Recall that it as only 1963 when Kennedy was assassinated.

Black Magic puts basketball into perspective. It wasn't the crowning achievement of the Civil Rights movement, but it played a pivotal role in its success. It also is a sharp contrast in players of yesterday versus many of the spoiled, primadona players of today. The eventual success of integration had a serious effect because of integration in basketball. And overall, I think for most of us have never stopped to realize just how much impact sports has on society.

While I'm not sure if or when it's going to re-air, I have an email into Henry Abbott (writer of True Hoop, an excellent basketball blog) who said he'd let me know about re-airing or where else it might be available online. I'll keep you guys posted.