Page 2 ~ THE VILLAGER/July 23, 2021 THE COMMUNIQUÉ www.theaustinvillager.com “Bullet” Bob Hayes starred for U.S. in ’64 Olympics

By John Harris Jr. VILLAGER Sports Columnist

(VILLAGER) - The last time that Tokyo hosted the , a star football player turned sprinter attending a Black college in the Deep South be- came known as the fast- est man on Earth. Tokyo is now host- ing the 2021 Olympics after last hosting the Summer Games in 1964. Bob Hayes, nick- named “Bullet” for his mind-blowing speed that turned him into a Pro Football Hall of The men’s 100m final at Tokyo 1964 and victory for “Bullet” Bob Hayes (USA 702) [Tokyo 1964 | Olympic Games] Famer with the , blazed a trail led to Hayes recruiting a needed to compete in a in Gainesville. Gaither was reluctant to call. into the history books pair of 200-meter run- college track meet at a Fortunately for allow Hayes to compete After securing his when he won the ners for the relay. Enter- white college to be con- Hayes, the University of in the Olympics for fear gold medals, Hayes in- Olympic gold medal in ing the final turn in fifth sidered in the official Miami eventually invited that it would affect his vited Gaither to join him the 100 meters, run- place, Hayes made up world rankings to be- him to compete in a preparation for football on his victory tour. Game ning in borrowed cleats nine meters by running come eligible for the meet in 1962. Granted season. Florida A&M recognizes game. and equaling the world the final leg in 8.6 sec- Olympics. this one-time opportu- was an annual con- After revolutioniz- record of 10.06 sec- onds. The team time of Although Florida nity, Hayes tied the U.S. tender for the Black na- ing the onds. 39.06 seconds was also A&M was located a record in the 100 meters tional championship and position in the NFL with Hayes also an- a world record. stone’s throw from to grab the attention of Hayes was one of his his game-breaking chored the gold medal Amazingly, Hayes Florida State in Tallahas- the U.S. Olympic Com- best players. speed, Hayes became winning 4x100 relay almost didn’t get the see, the white college mittee. Gaither eventually the only man in history team despite the four chance to compete in never extended Hayes However, Hayes relented and granted to win Olympic gold runners never once the Tokyo Olympics. an invitation to compete had one more hurdle to Hayes permission, re- and a practicing handing off A star wide receiver in a track event. Ditto for overcome. portedly only after presi- championship. It’s an the baton to each other. at Florida A&M in the the University of Florida, Legendary Florida dent Lyndon B. Johnson accomplishment that Injuries to two members segregated South, Hayes located two hours away A&M football coach Jake intervened with a phone still stands. “RESPECT” Film Opens Nationwide August 13, 2021 & Stars Jennifer Hudson

By Naomi Richard VILLAGER Entertainment Reporter

(VILLAGER) - A two-time Grammy® Award-winning record- ing artist, Academy Award®-winning ac- tress, and best-selling author, Jennifer Hudson, was chosen personally by Aretha Jennifer Hudson and Forest Whitaker star in RESPECT. Franklin to represent Photo Credit: Quantrell D. Colbert © 2021 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved. the luminescent “Queen of Soul” in the Idol, Aretha Franklin was Soul’s hit songs — “Re- you’re doing. If you’re and the impact of their own authenticity leading role of the up- doing a show in spect,” “Natural not going to be condent, today’s structural and at every intersection of coming August 2021 Maryville, Indiana and I Woman,” “I Say a Little you might as well not be systemic racism. Yet their being — they biopic, Respect. wanted to open for her. Prayer,” and “Think,” to doing it.” So saith this powerful musical want to be seen, heard, Hudson, an extraordi- Everyone knew she did name a few — have be- Aretha Franklin. expression is filled with and respected. nary talent from not allow singers to come a part of American Soul music is an optimism and steeped Aretha Franklin humble beginnings, be- open for her, instead music lore — all the ren- art form born out of the in unshakable faith. created a roadmap gan singing in a small starting her shows with ditions having become Black experience from Ms. Franklin’s through her own life Chicago church where, a comedian. And, then, classics that dened the slavery to emancipa- story is one that pro- experience from being week after week, she she approved me to resistance and resilience tion, to the Great Mi- foundly resonates right a child music prodigy brought the congrega- open for her. So, that of Black people during gration to the creation now in the Black Lives who grew up with great tion to its feet. From was a dream as are the the Civil Rights Move- and development of Matter Movement privilege in a house- there, she’s gone on to many moments I shared ment, the Black Power the Black middle class. when the world is going hold in Detroit that un- worldwide acclaim, with her.” Hudson con- Movement, and the Born from spirituals, through a cathartic ra- derstood the impor- much the same path as tinued, “ I nd especially Women’s Movement. juke joints, gospel mu- cial reckoning and a tip- tance of social protest, Franklin’s life. now, she has been a And speaking of tran- sic, the blues, jazz, doo- ping point of a cultural racial justice, and com- Respect is directed by huge guide for the struc- scendence — the songs wop, and protest mu- revolution. Diverse munity organizing Liesl Tommy, written by ture and spirit of my ca- still resonate today at a sic, soul music is exactly identities are which was centered Tracey Scott Wilson and reer.” moment in time where that — music and vo- unapologetically de- squarely in the founda- also stars Forest Whitaker, The voice of Aretha the world is in crisis and cals that come from the claring their voices and tion of the Black church Marlon Wayans, Audra Franklin is considered to in need of soulfulness. depths of the Black ex- visibility. People are —faith, service, and McDonald, and Mary J. be the best, most pow- So, let the Queen perience in America. tired of white su- self-actualization. Blige. erful, and most cultur- tell you directly: “Be They originated from premacy, patriarchy, Plan now to see Jennifer Hudson ally signicant voice of all your own artist, and al- our emotions, love, and hypermasculinity Respect, opening na- said, “After American time. The Queen of ways be condent in what trauma, defeats, losses and nding freedom in tionwide August 13.