Do you think racism has been eradicated in the United States? That our nation’s progress, highlighted by the election of a Black president not once, but twice, signaled a collective decision to judge individuals by their character rather than their skin color? Think again.
Tina Johnson, a standout kicker from Midland, Michigan, has firsthand experience with this harsh reality. As a member of the Dow football team—currently ranked second in the league with an impressive 8-1 record—Tina is breaking barriers. This year marks her inaugural season playing football, where she has excelled as the placekicker, missing only two kicks out of 31 attempts in Saginaw League games.
As a high school senior, Tina is the first girl to ever play varsity football in her town, whether for Dow or its rival, Midland. With both of her brothers having played for the Chargers, she has always felt a strong urge to explore new challenges and stand out. Her coach praises her talent, stating that she’s “the best kicker in the program and one of the best we’ve seen in years.”
But it’s not just football that keeps Tina busy. She also anchors two traveling soccer teams, with an intense schedule that includes soccer practice on Mondays and Tuesdays, football practice on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and games every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Her dedication has earned her a partial soccer scholarship to Northwood University, along with additional support for her academic accomplishments—she carries a solid 3.2 GPA. In essence, she embodies the high school overachiever with a remarkable talent for football.
Unfortunately, Tina is not immune to the ugly face of racism. Recently, during a Midland-Dow football game, an Instagram user, who goes by the name of “sarahbelle,” shared a photo of herself with a boy dressed in a gorilla suit, captioned, “Chillin’ with Dow’s kicker ;)” While it remains unclear whether the suit was intended as a direct jab at Tina, the implication is deeply troubling. At the time this incident was highlighted by journalist Marcus Lee, the post had already attracted likes from several users. Although the image has since been deleted, no disciplinary actions have been reported as of now.
Tina is a student deserving of praise for her academic and athletic achievements. Yet, the ugly undercurrent of racism still attempts to drag her down, invoking the odious stereotype that associates Black individuals with physical strength but lesser intelligence. This is nothing short of despicable.
When Tina joined the football team, she was embraced as part of the group. Her coach emphasizes that she is not simply “the girl kicker,” but rather, “Tina, a valuable team member.” She shared, “I’ve built relationships with my teammates—many of whom I’ve known since childhood—and they have been incredibly supportive.”
While it may be easier for a girl to be accepted in an all-male football environment, it is still a significant challenge for a talented Black girl to escape the harsh realities of racism.
Racism is very much alive in America. It thrives in small towns and cities across the country. If you need any proof, just think of Tina Johnson. For more insights on related topics, you can check out this blog post that discusses the importance of inclusivity in sports. Additionally, if you’re looking for reputable resources on pregnancy and home insemination, this link provides excellent information. For those interested in at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers reliable syringe kits for your needs.
In summary, the story of Tina Johnson illustrates that while we have made strides towards equality, the fight against racism continues to be a pressing issue, particularly for young athletes breaking barriers in their fields.
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