A great way to accurately portray the history of something is to engage directly with those who experienced it or individuals who know of what they speak.
The story of America’s favorite pastime and its relationship with the African American community is a powerful one. While names like Babe Ruth, Randy Johnson and Jeff Bagwell are held in high regard, former Negro League Baseball athletes like Roanoke native Larry LeGrande and the great Satchel Paige are certified legends in their own right.
On June 28, the Fourth Annual ‘Not Your Average Tailgate’ returned to the Salem Red Sox Stadium. In addition to food, music and games, local leaders were honored too during the powerful event.
“Culture is really big for us. Not only do we bring a more innovative spirit and fun-filled energy, but partnering with the Harrison Museum is bringing that historical context of how Black people and our heritage is rooted in baseball. We are committed to bringing it full force to today’s time,” Humble Hustle Company CEO & Founder Xavier Duckett said.
He added, “We’re making sure people have a full historical context of the fact that not only do we play sports, not only do we have historians, but we can have fun around it as well.”
“We honored some really good people this year: Dr. Marylen Harmon, Nathaniel L. Bishop, Charles Price, Sheriff Antonio Hash and Roanoke City Council member, Phazhon Nash. I was excited to throw those names in the pot and provide some context about what they’re doing in the community,” Duckett explained.
The Negro National League, which primarily operated from the 1920s through 1940s, ultimately disbanded in part when Jackie Robinson became the first Black player to play in Major League Baseball.
When Jeff Walker was in high school, he remembers doing a book report on the Negro Leagues. “Without question, racism has historically played a role in America’s favorite pastime. It’s been more than 25 years since I did that school project, but I’ve retained so much information from it,” he said.
The opportunity to be part of such a positive event at the Salem Red Sox Stadium was too good for James Richmond to give up. “I played baseball growing up and some of my favorite players were Negro League standouts,” he said. “It’s also important that we give flowers to people in our community who are making a difference.”
The Harrison Museum of African American Culture and the Salem Red Sox worked behind the scenes alongside the Humble Hustle Company to make this event a success. Money raised will help fund youth programs and community initiatives affiliated with the nonprofit organization.
