17th
Do you know Mike?
No matter perceived differences, all people are connected (I’ll spare you my usual uplifting speech..this time). With that mindset, this St. Patrick’s day I wondered about connections between African Americans and the Irish.
I didn’t find what I thought I was looking for, say a world famous, educated, Irish, African American figure (should’ve been easy right?), but I did find someone else very interesting. A world famous, educated, African American Irish figure.
Mike Brown: The first African American Leprechaun Mascot of Notre Dame
Yes, you heard right. During the 2000 and 2001 athletic season, Mike Brown motivated millions of Notre Dame football and basketball fans. I’ve pieced together a synopsis of Mike’s story, mostly from excerpts from the archives of The Observer, Notre Dame’s student run daily newspaper.
Graduate: Notre Dame 2001. (The Observer)
Notoriety: “When I first became leprechaun, there was so much media attention drawn to it because of my race,” he said. “There was a lot of buzz around campus, around South Bend, in my hometown, and I guess across the nation, too.” (The Observer)
Humble: “I tried to focus on being the 22nd leprechaun, not the first black leprechaun. (The Observer)
Energetic: “He makes the Energizer bunny look lazy, running around the sidelines, leading cheers, doing pushups, lifting cheerleaders and brawling with an occasional opposing mascot. (The Observer)
Leader: “For me, leadership has always been about taking initiative, being proactive and pursuing things you love,” says Mike …”I believe great leaders have a clear vision of success and positive outcomes.” (University of Notre Dame)
Help me find Mike Brown
I don’t know Mike - but I’d like to. I want to meet him, or send him an email, or send him a educated black man t-shirt, or interview him; something to recognize/congratulate/celebrate Mike Brown, an educated black man, and the fans of Notre Dame, who cheered as a humble, energetic, leader motivated Fighting Irish…of all sizes types, shapes, and colors. Can you help?
Steve@educatedblackman dot com
