Appreciate Ya Black Man: Val James
Posted by BROSEFOLOPHOGUS on
February 3, 2012
To properly celebrate Black History Month, JerseyChaser will be taking a special look at notable Black men that have made significant contributions to sports with our Appreciate Ya Black Man (#AYBM) series. Enjoy!
Valmore ‘Val’ Edwin James was the proverbial Jackie Robinson of the NHL, well at least kind of, becoming the first African-American to break the color barrier with the Buffalo Sabres in the 1981-82 season.
Contrary to popular belief, black people have be playing hockey (and dominating the sport) since the late 19th Century, introducing a lot of elements that are still used to this day. But much like everything else, Black hockey players were the victim of a routine swagger jacking, previously known as getting ‘Elvis’d’
Whilst James was the first African-American to play in the NHL, but he wasn’t the first black dude, with that honor going to Black Canadian (aka a Blanadian or Canegro depending who you’re talking to) Willie O’Ree in 1958.
Originally a 14th round selection of the Detroit Red Wings in the 1977 NHL Entry Draft, James would get his gummyworm hustle in the Canadian minor before make his first appearance with the big boys.
Known as one of the top fighters in his day, James was considered a one-hitter quitter type of dude and had no problems giving opposing players a solid bing to the grill when the situation called for it.
So to Val James we would just like to say: Appreciate Ya Black Man
