DR. MICHAEL COOPER
Blog: June 2012
Race Matters
I hope you agree with me that it is important that we know our history, recognize our people for their accomplishments, and properly display these accomplishments in an appropriate and prominent location. With this in mind, I am proud to work with a group committed to documenting and showcasing the complete story of the African American golfer; starting with the United Golfers Association (UGA).
Officially formed in 1926, the UGA quickly became the hub for Black golf throughout America for nearly 50 years. Most local clubs and champions for our cause regarded the annual ‘Negro National’ golf tournament the signature competition for the UGA, and the premier event for Black professional men, amateurs, female contestants, and (much later) junior golfers. It was not unusual for the ‘Negro National’ tournament to draw as many as 400 participants from throughout the country. I was fortunate to witness a few of these championships first-hand, in my younger days as an aspiring golfer growing up in Chicago.
Telling the complete story of the UGA is no easy task, however, as the stories of our pioneers do not readily appear in golf history. One has to rely on the dutifulness of historically Black newspapers from earlier days, and the incredible research from several Black golf and history enthusiasts. I thank and honor these enthusiasts, turned authors, for I can’t imagine the hours of research and dollars they must have spent to gather and present our unique and important history. Among the most notable books on the topic of Black golf in my collection are:
• A Course of Their Own; by John H. Kennedy
• Forbidden Fairways; by Dr. Calvin Sinnette
• Heroines of African American Golf; by M. Mikell
Johnson, Ph.D.
• Just Let Me Play; by Charlie Sifford
• Skins & Grins; by Lenwood Robinson
• The African American Woman Golfer; by M. Mikell Johnson, Ph.D.
• Uneven Lies; by Pete McDaniel
Most of the books also give credit for attaining this information to the Library of Congress, the Wake Robin Golf Club, and the Chicago Women’s Golf Club. By the way, both Wake Robin and Chicago Women’s golf club’s celebrate their 75th anniversary this year, which is history in itself (or her-story as Dr. Johnson wrote).
All of the abovementioned authors and journalists did extraordinary work, for sure. But there’s more to do, of course, and more stories to tell. Consider the number of books, articles and the like that have been created to tell the story of golf’s mainstream…the non-Black side, and it’s hardly a fair comparison to think that our Black golfing heroes have been given their just due. Not to mention being offered a proper location to display the achievements of these talented and courageous individuals.
I believe that’s about to change, as the World Golf Hall of Fame announced that the story of the African American golfer will be exhibited at their St Augustine, FL location. Now, it’s up to all of us to (1) assure the story of the UGA and Black golf is accurate, which requires more research, (2) assure the story is told through the lenses of the Black struggle, for the ability to excel in spite of the ever-present battles with oppression, discrimination, and lack of opportunities cannot be marginalized, and (3) assure the final presentation is worthy of the eloquence, luster, and magnificence it deserves.
This promises to be fun and meaningful work, and I am humbled to be part of this assignment. You can be, too, provided you know a piece of our history and are willing to share it. Please share your thoughts with me at urbangolf.mc@gmail.com.
Please share your thoughts by contacting me at urbangolf@aol.com, and stay tuned for future blogs.
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ABOUT MICHAEL COOPER, PH.D.
Dr. Michael Cooper is the Director of Southeast Region Affairs for The First Tee. He also teaches Social Change and Leadership at Springfield College – Tampa, FL campus.
