Mississippi football is burning

Hiram Springle

The movie "Mississippi Burning" was based on the senseless, brutal and barbaric murders of three young men 50 years while registering voters in the state. This incident highlighted the social injustices, racial hatred and bigotry.

The eyes of the world were riveted on America and the on the state of Mississippi. During this era there were countless occurrences all across the South that covered the spectrum of racial injustice from segregation to the denial of voting rights, to the lack of access to public accommodations and all other facets of everyday life in America.

"Mississippi Burning" chronicled one of the most heinous of these acts. This movie left no doubt to the level to which oppressors would sink to try and maintain their self-anointed position of superiority.

I know that many readers are asking "why can't he let sleeping dogs lie?" That dog that is racism, intolerance and hate is wide awake and prowling through everyday life. Many "private" conversations are punctuated with hateful barks about race, gender and sexual preferences. The Internet is perceived as a safe haven where individuals feel that hate can be spewed in virtual anonymity. Many individuals, organizations and businesses still live in the "Mississippi Burning" era.

Mississippi is once again a focal point for many Americans. During the 60s all across the Deep South, African Americans were not allowed in the main seating areas of athletic arenas. The brave pioneers who dared to become the first blacks students to enroll at universities in the Deep South were sternly warned "stay away from the football games." Huge Confederate flags were flown with wild abandon throughout the stadium. "Dixie" blared through the public address system.

What a difference 50 years makes. Sports have always been among the first to "level" the playing field. The state of Mississippi can proudly boast having two of its teams consistently ranked in the AP, ESPN and coaches Top 25 polls for the entire season thus far. Numerous football teams from the Deep South are regularly listed near the top in these weekly polls. These teams and many others all across the South are dominated by kids who couldn't get near their school's football stadiums 50 years ago.

Mississippi football has bolted to the top only because talented individuals have been given an equal opportunity to participate. Our society as a whole will not reach its fullest potential until all people regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual preference are treated in accordance with the immortal declaration that "All of God's children are created equal."

Hiram Springle of Greenville has worked with inner-city youth for more than 20 years. Write him at hiramspringle519@gmail.com.