Author: Tamara Harris
Published: March 15, 2006
Tool: [ email ]
Ebony magazine unveiled its Pathfinder Awards during
the Superbowl weekend in Detroit at the Seldom Blues
Supper Club. The magazine's founder, John H.
Johnson, who passed last year at age 87, was one of
America's most important publishers. The inception
of his first magazine, The Negro Digest, in 1942
within the context of Jim Crow America gave
African-Americans inspiration and a positive mirror.
White Americans were forced to recognize Black
humanity in print as well as Madison Avenue learning
the significance of marketing to African-Americans.
Mr. Johnson's pioneering spirit motivated the
Pathfinder Award given this year to three individuals
in the sportsworld who embody the same ethic in their
work. Linda Johnson Rice, daughter of Mr. Johnson,
who is at the helm of the magazine said " You know we
really decided to do this to honor the legacy of my
father John Johnson because he was such a pathfinder
in his own right. And there are so many numerous
African-Americans, that I think are really deserving
of this and are not always recognized so that really
is the genesis of it." Ms. Johnson's words are an
understatement considering that another native
Chicagoan, Fritz Pollard, who was the first
African-American coach (1921) and the first to play
the Rose Bowl just entered the Football Hall of Fame
last year.
Oakland and LA Raider alum Art Shell, received what
Pollard did not during his rise; the distinction of
being honored by your own people in your lifetime. Mr.
Shell is the first black coach of the modern era who
coincidentally went back to that job this year. A
Football Hall Of Famer, Shell helped his teams win
eight divisions and two Super Bowls. Gene Upshaw
played left guard beside Shell during their football
days and he presented the honoree with his award. Rena
Clark, Vice President of Community Affairs and
Corporate Philanthropy for the New England Patriots
was presented an award from Patriots defensive player
Richard Seymour. Atlanta Falcons' running back
Warrick Dunn was also distinguished as a Pathfinder
honoree. ET personality Kevin Frazier hosted the
invitation-only event and Michelle Williams of
Destiny's Child offered a stalwart musical
performance.
