What makes a hero? What does it take to become a legend?

"One Person"

- website, Miro Krizic

Perhaps one of the largest areas of African-American influence is in the sports arena. When Jackie Robinson stepped out on the field with the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947, he abolished Major League Baseball's color barrier. How could we forget the pitching speed of Satchel Paige? Or the triple-threat created by Monte Irvin's power-hitting, smooth fielding and base stealing? The 242 home runs, which Roy Campanella scored as a catcher, are still unparalleled. Living legends Lou Brock and Fergie Jenkins were athletes to be reckoned with; Brock's talent for a quick-steal burned up the bases for 12 consecutive years, while Jenkins established himself as a formidable strikeout force.

Jesse Owens left Hitler speechless when he took home four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics. In 1966, Olympic gold-medallist Jim Hines became the first man to finish the 100-meter sprint in less than 10 seconds. And who could help but admire Florence Griffith-Joyner, who received worldwide acclaim at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she shattered records and captured a silver, three golds, and the hearts of millions.

How about Joe Louis, who held the world heavyweight title longer than any man in boxing history? When he was 21-years-old, Floyd Patterson became the youngest heavyweight champion ever. Charismatic and five-time middleweight champion, Sugar Ray Robinson, is often considered the greatest boxer of the twentieth century.

A true champion on and off the court, Arthur Ashe rose above racial discrimination to become the #1 ranked tennis player in the world. Not to be excluded are football greats John Henry Johnson, Dick Lane, Ollie Matson, Willie Brown and Willie Davis, all of whom triumphed in the face of adversity.

Instead of waiting for others to lead the Civil Rights movement, Malcolm X devoted his life to obtaining racial equality. Can you imagine having a belief strong enough to lead millions toward one common goal, and essentially changing the course of history?

Through hard work and determination, these legendary individuals have helped to better humanity. Their lasting accomplishments serve as proof that one person can make a difference.

CMG Worldwide's Tribute to Black History website, Feb 9 2005