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Fredric is a web developer based in Chicago who hopes to one day start a foundation to support young, Black males in programming and computer science.

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lewis hamilton: another symbol of progress

June 11th, 2007 • Related • Filed Under

lewis hamilton Young Black Professional Guidei was so excited to read about my man lewis hamilton’s victory on the f1 circuit this morning. i’m not exactly sure how i missed it last night on sportscenter, but it happens. i was hoping to be the first to break it to the black blog community, but i jumped on rsspect.org and saw that our people’s over at electronic village had already made a post about it.

in case you’re not sure what i’m talking about, lewis hamilton became the first black driver to win a f1 series race (the indy race cars) AND he did it as a rookie with the mclaren team.

i’m just starting to get into racing and hope to attend one this year. i’ve been told the sights and sounds of 11,000 rpm machines screeching down a straightaway at more than 220 mph is a sight to behold.

so, the important question is, what does hamilton’s achievement mean? why should we care?

well, the obvious will point out that our society is still obsessed with race and will continue to be for quite some time. the simple appearance of a black face in any sport adds value to not only our culture, but towards a more accepting society of blacks in all circles.

of even more importance, in my opinion, is the symbolism of his achievement in f1 racing in general. for those not aware, kids just don’t go outside one day and decide to become f1 drivers. they don’t practice their skills on a dirt path, with a wagon, while their best friend pushes them through the saw grass. no, f1 racing requires money. you need a competition go-kart, racing gear, maintenance equipment, a team of professionals, and sponsors.

lewis hamilton’s win represents a breakthrough especially in the realm of sport that naturally excludes certain classes  because of the money needed to even get started. not only has he proven that we can compete and that black folks can win, but it also provides tangible evidence that wealth is slowly matriculating into our family. this creates questions, aspirations, networks, foundations, and ultimately executable power.

lewis hamilton Young Black Professional Guideafter all, knowledge and empowerment are only as good as the dollars to make things happen.

lewis hamilton. a champion of f1. a symbol of black power.

Viewing 6 Comments

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    I have followed Lewis Hamilton since 1998, when he was 11 years old and shortly after being signed by Ron Dennis of McLaren. He was in go-karts at the time and at every step of the way, he won in convincing fashion. He has alway had strong family support and from age 10 until the present has been funded by McLaren. What he has acheived at the least matches what Tiger Woods accomplished in his first PGA year. To put a driver into F1 now costs north of $10million US and the costs continue to rise. To get there you either need to come from a family with money or have a financial backer - Lewis had the latter. Talent alone will never get you to the ranks of F1 with 19,000rpm engines churning out close to 900 hp bolted to cars weghing only 1300lbs with the driver that are capable of pulling 3-4gs in turns and 5gs under breaking. What Lewis has accomplished will probably never be duplicated in racing in our lifetime. He is the most sucessful rookie in the history of Formula1 (since 1950).
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    He was the first person named Lewis Hamilton to win the Canadian F1 Grand Prix. More great things to surely follow. Congrats.
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    I hope he also wins the series, because that will really make a big statement.
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    Lewis Hamilton won again. He truly is a remarkable athelete!

    peace, Villager
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    What makes Lewis great is his natural talent. As a Brit I am glad to see that this was spotted early and he has received the backing he fully deserves. It is a tough call, but I hope he wins the World Championship. As a role model he is superb for all young people, regardless of their background.
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    Now Lewis is already a megastar back home. I reckon he will have around 120,000 of his fellow countrymen & women cheering him on when he wins the British grand prix at Silverstone on July 8th. Now if people see Lewis as a symbol of social progress, well that is great and in the modern world,there should be no limit to your aspirations if you have the talent...so go for it. But for me, I think LH is the real deal, should become our best GP driver of all time and after 10 years of putting up with the Germans yapping on about Michael Schumacher, we finally have our man to shut them up and it is great....
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