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When Patrick Mahomes unleashed a fiery pass into the endzone during the Super Bowl last year, he was secure in his identity as a Black quarterback - even if some did not accept his white mother.
"Don't get it twisted, that man's middle name is Lavon," Jason Reid implored the audience in his discussion of his book "Rise of the Black Quarterback" with NBC anchor Jummy Olabanji. The longtime NFL reporter's proclamation underscored a recurring theme that he and Olabanji explored at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Today's elite Black quarterbacks know exactly who they are, and they're unapologetic trailblazers - whether speaking out against injustice or breaking financial barriers.
Reid traced the origins of his latest book project, which came about after following the ascension of several elite Black quarterbacks during the 2019 season. Patrick Mahomes won the Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP that year, while Lamar Jackson was the league's MVP. It was a historic season that inspired Reid to dig deeper into how this transformation occurred after Black quarterbacks faced discrimination for so long.
The discussion touched on pioneers like Doug Williams, who Reid described as a mentor. Williams' victory in Super Bowl XXII as MVP was a watershed cultural moment for the Black community, as he shattered stereotypes about intelligence and leadership abilities. Even decades later, Williams became emotional seeing two superb Black quarterbacks battle in last year's Super Bowl between Mahomes and Jalen Hurts.
However, Reid and Olabanji noted that excellence on the field does not always translate to equality off it. Opportunities remain limited for Black coaches and executives, despite incremental improvement. Still, the clout of superstars like Mahomes and Jackson could lead to future front-office positions. After all, Williams' win helped pave their path.
Mahomes and Jackson were praised for leveraging their platforms to speak out on racial justice issues. Reid called it Mahomes' best trait: he "believed in something and took a stand." Other Black quarterbacks are making business decisions to empower African-Americans like Hurts hiring a Black female agent.
Yet subtler biases persist in media coverage, as Reid referenced criticism that Mahomes played "streetball." While overt racism has decreased, coded language remains. The same quarterback lauded for improvisational brilliance may be painted as undisciplined when he struggles.
Nonetheless, Reid was optimistic in predicting Black quarterbacks would dominate the sport. The pipeline of talent emerging from college football ensures more Mahomes and Jacksons on the horizon. He believes we may reach an era when quarterbacks are no longer categorized by race.
The event provided a textured dialogue about the multifaceted journey to reach that destination. There are triumphs to celebrate, pioneers to honor, and work still ahead. Reid and Olabanji covered it all with nuance and insight. In examining football's intersection with race, they offered a perspective that resonated far beyond the gridiron.
This event was generously supported by the DC Public Library Foundation.