Are you ready for the “Big Game”?

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This Sunday, February 12, 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Fitting for February, this exhilarating extravaganza on football’s highest stage will be the first time in NFL history that two black quarterbacks will meet in the Big Game. This will mark the second Super Bowl appearance for the Eagles (Jalen Hurts) and the third for the Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes), within the last decade, with quarterback Patrick Mahomes taking home the MVP award back in 2020 against the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFL, previously known as the American Professional Football Association, held its first Super Bowl game in 1967. At that time, opportunities for black players were few and far between but five players (Fritz Pollard, Kenny Washington, Woody Strode, Bill Willis, and Marion Motley) have been credited with breaking the NFL color line. With 57 years of Super Bowl appearances, only four black players in the history of the league have been named MVP. In honor of Black History Month, we celebrate those that paved the way for us to witness this history on Sunday.

Now, are you ready for Rhianna? This Sunday also marks the first performance by the Grammy award-winning showstopper in what seems like, well, forever. The chart-topping diva, born Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has been a bit busy managing being a new mom and billionaire, as well as being a source of inspiration for many. Rihanna embodies the spirit of self-confidence and fearless independence, having pushed boundaries and taken risks throughout her career launching several brands including Fenty Beauty and Savage x Fenty Lingerie- both highly successful enterprises that have made waves in their respective industries.

Coming full circle, Rihanna has also been vocal about issues such as female empowerment and racial equality, using her platform to educate and advocate.

Whether you’re rooting for the Chiefs or the Eagles (or Rhianna), this Sunday is certainly a day to celebrate as we move the needle forward one more inch toward diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Remember, your gift is important, unique, and impactful. Enjoy!

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Image Sources:
Patrick Mahomes - All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA / wikimediacommons.org
Jalen Hurts - All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA / wikimediacommons.org
Rihanna - Jeff Kravitz / gettyimages.com