In America, the belief that racism has been eradicated is a misguided notion. The election of a Black president may have sparked optimism, but incidents like those faced by Mia Johnson from Midland, Michigan, remind us that prejudice persists.
Mia, a standout kicker for the Dow football team, has made history as the first girl to play varsity football in her town, showcasing her talent on a team that boasts an impressive 8-1 record this season. Since joining the football squad, she has excelled as a placekicker, successfully converting 29 of 31 extra points during Saginaw League games. This remarkable achievement is unmatched in the league.
As a high school senior, Mia balances her football commitments with her role on two traveling soccer teams, practicing soccer on Mondays and Tuesdays, followed by football on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Her weekends are filled with soccer matches, leaving her with a relentless athletic schedule. Her dedication has earned her a partial soccer scholarship to Northwood University, coupled with academic merit funding, thanks to her 3.2 GPA. Clearly, she is an overachiever with exceptional skills on the field.
However, Mia has not been shielded from the harsh realities of racism. During a recent game, an Instagram user, Samantha Lee, posted a photo of herself with a friend in a gorilla suit, captioning it, “Got a pic with Dow’s kicker ;).” The boy in the suit wore Midland-blue shorts, and while the intent behind the costume remains uncertain, the implications were painfully clear. This offensive post garnered attention when activist Alex Thomas shared it online, and despite its removal, no disciplinary actions have been reported.
Mia, a committed student and athlete, deserves recognition for her accomplishments, but racism still finds a way to demean and belittle. Such actions perpetuate harmful stereotypes, linking Black individuals with strength while undermining their intelligence.
Upon joining the team, Mia was embraced as a teammate rather than an outsider. Her coach acknowledges her as “Mia, a member of the team,” emphasizing the camaraderie she shares with her fellow players. She noted, “I’ve built relationships with many of the guys, and the community has been incredibly supportive.”
While it’s easier for a girl to find acceptance on an all-male football team, navigating racism proves to be a far more formidable challenge for a successful Black girl. Racism continues to be an undeniable presence in America, lurking in both small towns and urban areas. If you doubt this reality, consider Mia Johnson’s experience.
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In summary, Mia Johnson’s story illustrates the ongoing struggle against racism in sports and society. Despite her remarkable achievements as a female athlete, she faces the ugly reality of prejudice, highlighting the urgent need for change in our communities.