As a young Black man, I had the incredible opportunity to witness the Florida Classic in Tampa, Florida. This annual showdown between Bethune-Cookman University (formerly Bethune-Cookman College) and Florida A&M University showcased some of the finest coaching talent in HBCU football. However, here’s the kicker—I experienced it live, not on television. Young Black men like me rarely got to see someone who looked like us on TV leading young athletes. This absence is a disservice to the sport of football.
Fast forward to today, and we have Marcus Freeman, the head football coach for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. While he may not fit the traditional mold of a role model, he truly is one. Coach Freeman has consistently downplayed the significance of being the first Black head coach to win a BCS National Championship. He stated, “It is an honor, and I hope all coaches—regardless of race—continue to get opportunities to lead young men like this” (NBC Sports). While this politically correct response may appease some, to me, it falls short. I completely understand the position he’s in; after all, Notre Dame has had two Black head coaches, and Freeman is the most accomplished of them.
You might wonder why Marcus’s race holds importance. Positive representations of men who resemble us do multiple things, including challenging harmful stereotypes about Black men. This is precisely why Marcus Freeman’s historic moment on MLK Day carries such weight. He finds himself shouldering a responsibility for a community he doesn’t even know, and the pressure is immense.
