I think sidelined football players have it the worst.  They put on their all that gear only to endure heat, cold, wind, rain, even snow, while their teammates battle opponents out on the field.

Those who sit on the sidelines must constantly ask themselves: 1) how do I get in the game; and 2) how can I help the team win?

Sidelined athletes are not the only ones confronted with these questions.  Everyday, we “spectators” face the same questions.

So, what is your game?  Do you dream of being a star athlete, a wildly successful entrepreneur, the top professional in your field, a great artist or performer, or a loving spouse and parent? Regardless of which game you choose, you need to ask yourself this question, Are you a player or are you sitting on the sidelines?

To get into the game you first need to get to the game.  You have to have desire and a dream.  Without desire and a dream, you might as well forget about the game.  You are little more than a spectator, perhaps a curious bystander.

As important as desire and a dream are, you must have more.  You have to have some distinct talent and ability to bring to the game, something that sets you apart from the rest. 

Have you identified your special gift, talent, ability or passion?

At the 2002 Rainbow Sports Awards Banquet, which is featured in this edition of the site, Reverend Jesse Jackson talked about athletes blessed by God with special abilities.  Later that evening, ESPN’s David Aldridge challenged those in attendance to discover their purpose. 

Have you discovered your purpose?  If not, it might help to take the reverend’s queue and ask the Good Lord what it is He wants you to do in this life.  Regardless of your circumstances, the answer most assuredly will not involve sitting in the stands or on the sidelines.

It may take some work and time to discover your passion; and it may take time, energy and resources to develop your talents, but you must have something to contribute to the team and to the game.

Making the team will not automatically guarantee you playing time. Once you make the team, you must qualify to actually play in the game.  

So, what is the secret to getting into the game?

The following are five things you can do to enhance your chances of actually playing whatever game you play.  1) Know the game.  No matter what your game is, become a student of that game.  Know the rules, the plays, your teammates, their strengths and weaknesses and those of the competition.  Then, use that information to gain a competitive advantage.  2) Be clear about your specialties.  Know with certainty what it is you bring to the game and to your team.  3) Excel in you what you do.  One can only hope that your best will place you among the best on your team and in your league.  4) Get noticed.  People have to know that you are on the team and that you have specialties needed to win.  5) Deliver the needed goods.  Performance matters in every game. Performance is the one thing that can put you in the game and keep you there. 

Being in the game will not automatically guarantee you a win.  Even the best teams occasionally lose due to time, chance and circumstance.  Nonetheless, those athletes that step onto the field or court are winners at what they do.

This web site exists for those that dare to get into the game.  We celebrate men and women from diverse backgrounds who build products, careers and organizations that contribute positively to our world.

We are pleased to promote events like the 8^th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago , which is an important showcase for African and African American talent.  Films like Sia-Myth of the Python God and the documentary Strange Fruit are wonderful examples of great storytelling. Other films, such as Hughes' Dream Harlem are worth noting because they reveal the potential of emerging talent. All of the filmmakers whose works appear in the festival are winners because they got into the game.  Had they not pursued their passions, focused on their dreams and honed their skills, we would never know the beauty and power of their stories; and individually and collectively, we would be the lesser for it.

Regardless of the game you pursue, know these two things; the game will be different because you are in it; and the team, which is our community, our nation, our race - the human race - wins when you dare to play.

Get in the Game!

The End