Many times we find ourselves wondering what it is that we want to do in life. It is the golden question we ask ourselves: "what do I want to do?" Society usually determines what the norm is or what’s "acceptable". Most of the time this is portrayed through our media. Whether it is, TV, movies, books or sports. What we see every day is usually what we get. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Especially for Black Americans. As a collective, we see and get told what we should be. We only see limits, but we are capable of so much more. We are so much more.
With this being black history month we celebrate those who came before us. Those who have paved the way so that we can be the citizens that we are now. Even though I think the month is intriguing (again conversation for another post). I personally think that we should focus on black history every month. Like we do the “rest” of American history. Mainly because Black history in America is American history.
I could go on but that is not what this is about.
This is about those pioneers who didn't listen to those trying to put a limit on their lives. They sought after something and believed in themselves and their support. This is about them. They are important because representation is important. Especially for minorities. Especially for black people. Representation allows us to see past those limits. It allows us to physically see, that we can be what we strive to be. It allows us to believe.
I want you to meet someone. Someone who is a pioneer. Someone who is paving the way for others. She too believed in herself and she too is a pioneer. As mentioned, representation is important and now others can look to her as an example. An example of what they can be. An example of no limits.
That someone is Blake Bolden. Blake Bolden is the first Black woman to play professional hockey and the first woman to have her own hockey stick line. She is an inspiration to not only young women but men as well.
(@sportblake via Instagram)
She represents those who believed in themselves and were authentic to themselves. She didn’t believe in those limits. Now she’s a legend. I had the opportunity to ask her some questions so you could see and meet someone who could help you believe in yourself as well. I’m going to show the questions I asked, as well as the answers. I want you to also learn. Additionally, I want you to see how the conversation went. Enjoy and thank you.
Q: For those who don’t know, what do you do in the world of hockey?
Blake: I am a mentor, a performance coach, a role model, a professional scout and a growth and inclusion specialist for the Los Angeles kings of the NHL.
Q: When did you fall in love with hockey and why?
Blake: Fell in love with hockey when I was 6. Saw the Cleveland lumberjacks play when I was a little girl. My dad worked part time as security. I was enamored the first time I saw the guys skate.
Q: What impact has hockey had on your life, what does it mean to you?
Blake: Considering hockey has consumed my entire life since I was a little girl, it’s had an insane impact on my life. Anyone who plays, knows how special of a game it is. The lessons it teaches you, it’s challenges, the triumphs, the disappointment, the travel, the friendships, the career, I mean I could go on and on...
Q: Why is representation in hockey important?
Blake: Children need representation. I grew up playing, not having a woman of color who was competing. I never knew how far I could take it, what kinds of goals I could realistically achieve. I learned a lot of things the hard way, I faced a lot of challenges that I think if I had someone I could relate to, would have made my journey a lot easier.
Q: What would you say to young black women and girls who want to get into hockey?
Blake: I’d say, go for it. There’s always a lesson learned, an experience to have, friends to make. There’s an avenue and many people now who have come before you, hopefully paving the way for a more inclusive game. Just try it!
Q: What would you say to young black women and girls who are hesitatnt to go after their dreams and aspirations because of societal pressures?
Blake: I laugh at societal pressures. You should too. That’s the only way to break this cycle. It’s about you and no one else. Some of my closest friends and family scoffed when I decided to play. A young black girl from Cleveland Ohio. Look where I am now. That is you. You’ve got a team and a community of people of color rooting for you in this sport. Always.
I would first like to thank Blake Bolden for her contribution and time to help me with this. Secondly, if you've read to this point, I would like to thank you for your support as well.
I hope this was able to resonate with you and help you along your journey. My favorite quote from Blake is as follows:
“I learned a lot of things the hard way, I faced a lot of challenges that I think if I had someone I could relate to, would have made my journey a lot easier.”
That’s a very important quote because it stresses the importance of representation and why it is needed. That's why it's vital to try to do things you love because you can inspire many who were like Blake once. You can make that process a little bit easier not only for yourself but for others as well.
So you see, representation is needed. It is important. However, it is more important to stay true. It's ok to be you. Thank you all again. Much love.
In addition, Blake has been so much of an inspiration, that the Los Angeles Kings honored her along with the legend Willie O’Ree for black history month.
(@lakings via instagram)
if you would like to follow Blake Bolden on Instagram it is: @sportblake
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