BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Michael Jordan Invented the Black Athlete Turned Filthy Rich Business Mogul
The sports legend was the first of his kind
Introduction
Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Bill Russell, Muhammad Ali, and Hank Aaron were among the trailblazers who paved the way for generations of African American athletes.
Through steely determination and resilience, they helped lay the groundwork for black excellence in professional sports. If they had not trudged through a minefield of racism, segregation, and good old-fashioned bullshit, who knows where we’d be?
Michael Jordan, who celebrates his 58th birthday today, grabbed hold of the torch they lit (and the enormous groundwork they laid) and invented the black athlete turned filthy rich business mogul.
It’s likely his most important accomplishment and is the foremost reason why today’s top athletes enjoy extreme control over their career and brand.
A Grand Entrance into Pro Sports
MJ entered the NBA in 1984 following an impressive college career and a spectacular showing at the summer Olympics. But as highly touted as he was coming into the league as a rookie, no one expected the impact he would…
