D.C. United Q&A with Garrison Tubbs: Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions, culture, and achievements of Black individuals throughout history. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Professional sports teams, with their large, diverse platforms, and global reach, play a pivotal role in promoting awareness and celebrating Black excellence.
Through initiatives like hosting community events such as the Soccer & Soar program, collaborating with organizations like Urban Alliance, highlighting influential Black players, and amplifying important social justice movements, D.C. United is constantly exploring new ways to use its platform for positive change.
To honor Black History Month, D.C. United sat down with defender Garrison Tubbs to discuss his thoughts and share his insights about Black History Month. In his second professional season with D.C. United, Tubbs spoke at length about what Black History Month means to him and the role that professional athletes have as advocates in the community.
What does Black History Month mean to you personally?
“Black History Month can be split into two different categories. One is the reflection of how far we've come as a community. It's a reflection on the civil rights movement, all the people that have fought hard and died for the rights and freedoms of the Black community. And then there's the other half which is a celebration. It's really important to celebrate the heritage and Black culture as a whole. And obviously there's many different subcategories within Black culture here in the in the United States, but I think it's extremely important for us as a nation, and particularly Black Americans, to celebrate all the different aspects of Black culture and heritage.”
How do you think the world of soccer, and sports in general, has evolved in terms of representation for Black athletes over the years?
“There was a time when Black individuals weren't allowed to play the sport. And that goes with every sport. It always starts with the integration piece where there’s always going to be the first Black athlete to break into the sport and deal with all the adversity that comes with it. Then more Black people can use that pioneer’s experience to find comfort and express themselves. I think that's a big thing with Black athletes. A lot of Black athletes use sports as an avenue to express themselves, and I think that's the next piece in growing the sport for Black athletes. I have gotten to the point where I am today and gone up the ladder from youth soccer to collegiate soccer and to now professional soccer. Being in the position where young Black athletes can look up to me, it makes me think back to when I was younger, and I was looking up to Black athletes and thinking, I could really see myself filling those shoes and being in that position later in life. And it's really rewarding now to be in that position and to be the player that the younger generation can look up to.”
Can you share any personal stories or moments when you’ve felt particularly proud of your heritage as a Black player in soccer?
“One of the biggest moments for me was my senior night at Wake Forest, and my MLS debut last year. Those were big moments for me in my career, but also for my heritage and the Black community. That goes back to all the work that went in behind the scenes. There's a lot of adversity over the years that I've gone through. A lot of support from my family, which is extremely important to get me to where I am today. And I love looking back at those photos from those two nights and kind of reminiscing on all the little and big aspects that go into making those moments a reality, especially being in a sport that is not Black dominated here in the United States. That really shows that it is possible, which is important.”
Who were some of your role models or Black athletes growing up, and how did they inspire your journey into soccer?
“Soccer in general is a global sport. But for me personally, I think back to some American players that I used to watch growing up, like Demarcus, Beasley, Tim Howard, and Eddie Johnson. They helped drive this dream of mine to become a professional soccer player, and that it was possible for a young Black kid to grow up and achieve those dreams. Those three were big for me, but another person outside of the soccer world that I really looked up to is LeBron James. All of the athletic accolades that he's gained over the years is truly tremendous, but when you think about all the other things that he's done for social change and the community, while also being at the top of his game every single night and being the father and husband that he is to his kids and wife, it's something that I've always truly looked up to, and wanted to be when I got older. You think about the funding for all the schools in Akron and Ohio, the donations, the charity work. It's truly inspiring.”
In your opinion, how important is it for Black athletes to speak out on social issues, especially during Black History Month?
“It’s extremely important every month but especially during Black History Month. Professional athletes are in a unique situation where they have a real voice. Athletes speak and people listen. It's important for Black athletes, especially, to use the voice that they've been given for good. Education is extremely important, and I think Black athletes play a huge role in that education, not only here in the US, but across the world. It's something that I've always been passionate about, speaking out about issues that I think are important, and it's something that I'll always continue to be a part of. It's a blessing that I've been given this position where I have a voice and it’s extremely important to use it.”
What is Black Excellence to you?
“I think Black excellence refers to the embodiment of resiliency and perseverance through adversity while also pursuing greatness. For decades and decades, Black people have been constrained by the majority on what they're capable of. Black excellence is bursting through those constraints, reaching new heights, and always striving for greatness in everything they do. I truly do think it's a community effort. Black people striving for excellence, uplifting one another, and that way, we as a community can all move forward together.”
