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Hello SOTGC community,
On Sunday, Jan. 4, I woke up with the same frame of mind as always … breakfast, tea, and, of course, sports! For anyone who doesn’t know me personally, I am a true sports fanatic. When the TV is turned on, it’s always on the same two channels. Either the NBA station or ESPN, because, where else would a girl get the latest on everything sports related?
Well, this day was like no other. I turned to ESPN around 10 a.m. and saw a handsome picture of Stuart Scott, who lost his battle with cancer on this day. When I saw his picture, I instantly smiled, as I thought maybe he received another award and or accolade. Stu, as he was passionately called by his friends and family, made a name for himself in a male-dominated sports world, but one dominated only by white men. He started at ESPN in 1993 and took the sports world by storm. Playing only by his rules and never compromising his beliefs, integrity, and, most importantly, the essence of himself as a black man.
Stuart is known for so many things in the industry. He’s known for his electric energy on and off the TV screen at Sports Center. The enthusiasm in which he delivered sports was like nothing we had ever experienced. He invited everyone to the table in a way that was genuine, warm, and charming. His relatable spirit was infused through the delivery of words like “Boo-Yaw” and “Cooler than the other side of the pillow.” He was the epitome of a true professional and a class act.
In his battle with cancer for more than seven years, Scott showed us with vigor how to live and love. It was his mantra to be the very best he could be in every aspect of his life without compromising his personal morals and values. His message should ring loud and clear to us all. Do what you love, in a manner in which you cherish, without ever losing your identity.
Tweet ThisOn July 18th of last year, the day before his 49th birthday, he received the Jimmy V award for perseverance. In his moving, emotional, and candid speech he said, “When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”
Stuart Scott … son, brother, friend, colleague, Tar-heel, and, most importantly, father(!), will always be remembered as a role model. His unyielding commitment would never allow his circumstances to overpower his zest for life!
Stu … thank you for being “Cooler than the other side of the pillow!”
Are you living a Life worth Mentioning? If not, why? And if you are, please share how you’re maximizing your time. Let us know via Twitter and tag @empowermee and @SOTGC in your post. As we would love to share your legacy with our community!
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