What Does "Make History Now" Mean To You?


Everyone wants to make history.

But few realize that to make history you have to start by making history right now, every day, one moment at a time.

The best way to do that is to think about it. All the time. By asking yourself, how I’m making the most out of this moment? What I’m doin’ next to make history now?

What does “Make History Now” mean to me?

To get some answers, Black Fives went behind the scenes at the 2nd annual Big Apple Classic at Madison Square Garden this past weekend to watch an HBCU basketball doubleheader. Virginia Union beat Bowie State, 76-55, followed by Hampton embarrassing Howard, 65-31.

How would the biggest stars from those historic teams answer that question? Let’s find out.

What does “Make History Now” mean to you?

Matthew Pilgrim, Hampton University

“As an African American, I want the best of myself. To have the skills to be able to compete with anybody.”

Matthew Pilgrim, sophomore forward, Hampton University (11 pts., 4 rebounds), from Cincinnati, Ohio, majoring in Sports Management

What does “Make History Now” mean to you?

Rashad West, Hampton University

“From an HBCU perspective we’re still gaining respect on a national level. There are great players who do great things on and off the court. We’ll become lawyers and doctors too.”

Rashad West, senior guard, Hampton University (18 pts.), from Raleigh, N.C., majoring in Business Management.

What does “Make History Now” mean to you?

Christian Jackson, Bowie State

“To make your mark on the world. I’m the only person in my immediate family to go to college. I know basketball’s not always going to be there. I want to make a difference.”

Christian Jackson, sophomore forward, Bowie State (18 pts.), from Alexandria, VA, majoring in Marketing.

What does “Make History Now” mean to you?

Brad Byerson, Virginia Union

“This court! MJ. Ewing, Walt Frazier. They were scoring points on this floor. I got a tingly feeling.”

Brad Byerson, senior forward, Virginia Union (18 points), from Colonial Heights, VA, majoring in Communications and wants to go into public relations.

Now it’s your turn. What does “Make History Now” mean to you?

Photos by Rachel Eschenbach except Rashad West courtesy of Hampton University.

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Christian Jackson
7 years ago

Hello, this is Christian Jackson. That isn’t my picture with the above excerpt. I can email a accurate picture of me.

carl campbell
16 years ago

the harlem rens the first world basketball championship team who were of color john isaacs who taught me how to rebound — lou badger who show us the pick and roll — puggie bell be tough on the court — charlie isles play good defense — pop gates with great shot — who can forget hank dezonie — our unsung hero hoss steele — our teachers ollie endiboro, roger bryant, donald adams, pelham fritz, john bullard, rozier hansbourgh, john ellerbee, sonny jamesion, victor jeffers, joe patterson, wardie davis, snookie walker — sugar bowl — lastly we cannot forget holcombe rucker who brought a host of talent who many say is the city game … this a tidbit of history — i am a better person for the people, i met playing basketball …

rachel
16 years ago

The question and concept of ‘make history now’ is a compelling one. If every person thought about how their actions could impact history I bet people would make more informed decisions, put more effort into their actions, and do better work for the world. Kudos to these men who are already thinking about it. The world will be a better place for it.

Claude
16 years ago

Mr. Campbell, I am honored by your visit and touched by your words. It brings a tear to my eye. You list a who’s who, man. You also list the reasons why every one of us keep talking, keep teaching. Those men may have never known the impact they had on you, but YOU know. And you honor them by remembering and that is keepin’ it real, for real. Thank you.