Feb 5- Mike Carey

Are you ready for some football?

I will admit that I'm not the biggest football aficionado, but I know a little bit. Since I was blessed with an awesome father, great brothers, male friends and marching band I have been immersed in it. I appreciate it. So today's BHM post is dedicated to it.

 Michael "Mike" Carey was assigned by the NFL to referee the 2008 Super Bowl game between the NY Giants and the NE Patriots, making him the FIRST African-American referee in Super Bowl history. This was Carey's eighteenth year as a football official. He is 1971 graduate of California's Santa Clara University where he was a running back. After an ankle injury his playing days were over. After graduation, he officiated for Pop Warner games. Then in 1990 was hired by the NFL as a side judge, he was then promoted to referee at the start of the '95 season.
 Mike's no one trick pony though. He and his wife, co-founded Seirus Innovation, a company that manufactures and sells cold weather accessories for skiing and snowboarding. He's invented numerous items of ski apparel, including Cat Tracks, a protective device that slips over the soles of ski boots.

So this Sunday while you're rooting for your team and scarfing down the snacks, pay special attention to men making the calls.  Black history is all around us.

It's official like a referee with a whistle...

Feb 6- Charles Follis

In observance of Superbowl Sunday, I'd thought I give you an African-American in football fact.

Charles Follis was the first documented black professional football player. While he never played in the NFL, he still was talented enough to be seen and asked to play for a team in Shelby, Ohio back in 1902. This fact would not be accepted as valid until 1975 when written records proving this were found. He was even paid $500 for him playing. He was faced with harsh criticism before, during, and after he played opponents, sometimes inciting minor riots. He may not have earned a ring but he definitely has earned respect and place in the history books. His name is not one we should forget.