The Deaths of Black Icons

The Deaths of Black Icons, Both Past, and Present, Will Live On!

It seems that these Icons of sports and music entertainment perished before their time, but the contributions made will never be surpassed in the same way. They were more than just voices on a record or featured in a one-of-a-kind music video or blazing down the basketball court, scoring one point after another. Still, they were originators of their elective crafts that others try to model. They were pioneers who started early in life and achieved what others never have or never will.

These men of the entertainment world sacrificed their personal lives to be the very best, and they were the best. The mere mention of the names recognized only by their first became the cry across the world. MJ, Prince, and Kobe! I write about these men as I continue to select these articles and give them meaning. I label these men as Icons because they were in every sense of the word. Was it their DNA? Was it the difference in how their minds worked? Were they the X-factor that many refer to; YES, they were! But, they were people to behold and admire for their endless work ethic, attention to detail, and the knowledge, respect, and skillset they all held for their craft.

One could surmise that people like this are typically here for a short time, which could be why their passion was so intense. They outworked, out-thought, and masterfully planned everything they wanted to do. Each of these men handled adversity and exception gracefully and with acceptance, and then they were SUDDENLY gone. I hasten to think that MJ and Prince were set up and skillfully eliminated for their money and enduring influence as they filled stadiums by the echo and the heart-pounding enthusiasm of their music and popularity. Conspiracy’s of rumored wrong-doing captured the minds of those who envied their success and might have planned their deaths, but we will never know for sure, at least in our lifetime. So, how do we, as fans, continue with our support for those who follow? We don’t because they were too unique, too different, and also focused. These combinations are unique and never matched in the same way.

Each of these men was a one-person show. Yet, they could take over every performance and ultimately dominate the game and send fans into a frenzy of screams and cheers. So, why does this happen? Why are these performers stand alone as other performers and teammates stand by and watch? The answer is simple; GREATNESS!

I take pride in the articles I post by giving my followers something to think about, nothing frivolous or damning, but rather a piece that inspires the masses to be their very best. But the complete package was their charisma, their charm, and their general appearance. Their persona’s transcended all others as they stepped out and stepped up. These young men will be missed, but the mystery of their demise will be forever questionable.  So here we are left to remember these entertainers but, more importantly, recognize them as MEN who carried the weight of the world on their shoulders.

R.I.P. Kobe Bryant. January 26, 2020