“Coach Prime is not with the switch up”
— Florida A&M Athletics (@FAMUAthletics) October 11, 2022
The Art of Code-Switching.
For generations, it has been the first line of defense for many qualified Black people, when being qualified wasn’t enough to earn fair treatment or respect in corporate spaces. Now, as we realize our collective influence in all corporate spaces, especially sports media – do we still need to lean on it?
This is my favorite Coach Prime clip (and there’s so many to choose from) because he’s creating a teaching moment without demeaning, or belittling, the presenter. In this case, Robert “Rob Jay” Jeuitt, SWAC Hall of Famer and the long-time voice of JSU. But he did force a moment of reflection, and thought.
When we control our own spaces, there’s room for everyone to be their authentic self. And, that’s a concept that many of us are still trying to come to terms with. Especially those of us who have managed to master the art of assimilating into rooms (long careers) that were never designed for us.
Few of us understand this more than Deion Sanders.
Without a degree in broadcast, Deion Sander managed to transition from a hall of fame career in two different sports, into a residency on CBS Sports, Barstool, and the NFL Network. All while being his authentic self, as a self-confident Black Man in Corporate America. Code-switching did not help him be great, his talent did. And, as he continues to champion HBCUs with his voice, and his unorthodox approach to being a high-profile college football coach, he’s forcing an important (even if uncomfortable) conversation to happen throughout Black American, and far beyond football.
As angry as his antics makes some of us, this is a powerful moment of all of us.
AND SO.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know on social media, and in the comments below.
THE CONVERSATION.