The Sunday Sundown Rundown (formerly in the format of "3 Up and 3 Down") is where I share thoughts on three topics that piqued my interest, along with my favorite photo from the week.
Olympic Hockey Teams
Hockey took the nation by storm this week as both the men's and women's teams brought home gold medals. I echoed last year with the run the United States Men's and Women's basketball teams had, but there really is a unifying front for these teams on the Olympic stage. As divided as we currently are, it's these kinds of moments, these kinds of runs, where we all feel, even for just a few moments, American.
Really cool stuff, and really cool vibes this week.
Congrats to the many other United States athletes who performed on the Winter Games' big stage.
I'm going to miss the odd effects of watching curling...
Laila Edwards
I know we're supposed to live in this society where we're now suppressing race, or various identities, in how we perceive or recognize people, moments, and history.
Even from that lens, today's non-DEI scope, it was difficult for me not to feel the moment Laila Edwards became the first Black woman to win a Gold Medal in hockey. There is so much to unpack there, and really, it causes me to pause on so many fronts.
We're still having these "firsts".
And yet, we're supposed to not acknowledge it.
What hits me more is the impact of so many girls who will see what Laila just accomplished and find hockey as an avenue for them. Just like the Williams sisters did for tennis.
Remarkable stuff. Congratulations to Laila Edwards.
Jesse Jackson
It's amazing that so many of these names, these icons, during a period that was so impactful to the United States of America, are no longer with us.
Jackson, who marched with Dr. King, was a staple for a kid like me who grew up in the 90s. My parents openly discussed Jackson's policies, and I still remember their discussions about his run for President in 1984 and 1988. Hearing those testimonies from those times, I was further able to piece together the moment and appreciate it slightly more in 2008 when President Barack Obama won the White House.
Jackson's career was marked by diplomatic successes and awe-inspiring speeches for change - especially for a younger generation.
These voices are now gone. At least it feels like it. It's hard not to look around at the current landscape of those who will lead us into the next generation, and wonder, will we ever get back to such quality?
RIP Jesse Jackson.
Keep hope alive!
Cover Photo
Mr. Jackson watching the news of Mr. Obama’s projected presidential victory at the election night rally in Grant Park in Chicago on Nov. 4, 2008. Damon Winter/The New York Times