on the black hand side

Caster Semenya: Pawn in Athletics Controversy [VIDEO]

By now, you have heard of the case of South African runner Caster Semenya whose sex has come under scrutiny. Semenya totally dusted the competition in the women's 800m race and improved her time to the point that she must prove she's female.

Semenya's family and countrymen are outraged but why? This young woman appears to be a pawn in this controversy.

Hello, Semenya looks masculine. From all accounts she has looked masculine and demonstrated masculine behavior most of her life. Why, in heaven's name would athletic officials allow the 18 year-old to be subjected to such humiliation surrounding her latest win without resolving the sex issue much earlier? It's just not right.

Jokes have been made about this situation but it's not funny when a shy 18 year-old from a third world country is at the center of the controversy. Who knows how this will turn out and the psychological effect on the teenager?

Semenya wanted to boycott the medal ceremony because of the publicity. She should be rejoicing because she's victorious; but she's not.

Regardless of the tests to prove sex, that is an issue that is not black or white but very gray. Let's chill out and let this process play out.

Last question: Would Semenya's sex be an issue had she not won? Let's keep Caster Semenya in our prayers regardless the outcome. No one deserves this humiliation about their sex. 

Rest In Peace, Naomi Sims

Before Beverly Johnson, Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks and Iman, there was Naomi Sims. No, she didn't just make cosmetics, wigs and hairpieces, Ms. Sims has been credited as the first black supermodel. That is why her transition from this world without the appropriate acknowledgement by the news and fashion industry, is appalling. Ms. Sims succumbed to breast cancer at 61.

As a teenager during the black pride era, I recall seeing her beautiful brown face on the cover of many magazines and in advertisements. She was elegant and seemed to glide down the runway.

The pioneering Ms. Sims, who would become an entrepreneur and author, paved the way for ethnic models. Initially, she suffered much rejection because of her dark skin but she persevered and became the toast of the fashion industry.

Thank you, Ms. Sims. You blazed a trail that many take for granted today but I thank you for giving little black girls and black women a reason to walk tall and proud. Ashe'.