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The
theme of President- elect Barack Obama’s historic 2008 campaign
theme was ‘Change.’ The election of a darker-hued
commander-in-chief has inspired many African American NBA players to
become agents for change, in their lives on and off the court.
Los
Angeles Lakers’ center DJ Mbenga believes it is time for
professional athletes to hold themselves responsible beyond the
basketball court. “We have to remember that after [you
leave] the court–that’s you,” he says. “That shows
the education you have, your family, and everything that you come
from.” There are many young professional athletes currently
associated with negative headlines, and Mbenga explains that, as an
athlete in the spotlight, it is imperative to recognize that you are a
role model. He challenges other players to stop making excuses.
“We can’t make [an] excuse for something that happened in
the past. We also can’t make [an] excuse for any reasons. The way
we live our lives is for right now. We have to change. We have a big
example, Barack Obama, so we cannot continue to do the same things. We
cannot say it’s because I’m black or I’m a ball
player. No, we cannot make excuses.”
Change
has been a major part of Mbenga’s life, as the native of The
Democratic Republic of Congo has carried his roots, traditions, and
past life with him across seas to California. Raised with teachings of
respect and humility, and that humility is the biggest key to inspiring
personal changes. “After this job we still have a life to live.
And if you are not good with people, maybe because you are a big star
or whatever, then how are you going to live after? (Are) you going to
go live on the moon? No. That’s why you show respect.”
Mbenga
notes that regardless of race or color, all professional athletes must
maintain a level of accountability to their fans, their families and
themselves. If self-respect and responsibility become a higher priority
to more black athletes, then there will be a notable change in the
types of lives they lead outside the lines. –kim smith
