Growing up, I called Long Island, an outer suburb of New York City, home. Larry Doby Jersey . However, I traveled into Manhattan as often as three times per week with my family at a very young age. My parents, both city kids, encouraged my older brother and I to expand our horizons beyond the slower-paced burbs and exposed us to the best (and worst) of what the City offered.Because of that balance, I became a freethinker at quite a young age. I was quickly able to assess situations and determine whether I wanted to engage further or detach myself entirely. For the most part, this worked well for me. I was decisive in my choices and often regretted nothing. Although my parents supported me in every aspect of life, and continue to consult me on major decisions to this day, they never pressured me to do what they wanted me to do. I was empowered to make the right choice for me.That may be why, despite having access to a swimming pool, which was actually right in my parents backyard, they accepted my lack of interest in learning how to swim. They figured Id pick up the skill when I wanted, and if that day never came, Id at least be wise enough to avoid the deep end and save myself from drowning.Or, despite my declining their offer to enroll me in swim lessons, they accepted my choice because they knew 70 percent of black children also lacked the skill. So while not ideal, there were far worse and unflattering statistics for me to bear.And I agreed, until about 10 years ago. You see, only being able to dip my toes in the water while traveling to the beautiful beaches of Rio de Janeiro and to the coast of South Africa made me acutely aware of how I had limited myself. How, as an upwardly-mobile 20-something, I was perpetuating the societal stereotype that black people dont swim.The origins and reasons behind many black people not being proficient swimmers is quite?complex, tracing back to the reconstruction era. But for black women its been most commonly deduced to a seemingly trivial and superficial reason -- our hair. Theres a prevailing generalization that black women are less inclined to take a dip because of the time and effort required to tame our manes post-swim. Prior to the recent popularity of black women transitioning to chemical-free or natural hairstyles, European beauty standards of adopting long straight hair were projected upon us. Therefore, those who relied on chemical relaxers or heat-based tools to maintain their straight tresses were more susceptible to chlorine damage. Over time, women of color would suffer split ends, breakage and hair shedding.I transitioned to natural hair about 10 years ago, freeing myself of this suppressive mindset, but it took me another 10 years to find true freedom in the water.Ushered in with the natural hair movement has been a modern resurgence of self-love (which we originally saw in 1960s, and the popularization of the afro) and pride among women of the African diaspora -- something commonly referred to as Black Girl Magic. Its an ode to the beauty and talents of the black female. Before joining Essence Magazine as the digital fashion & beauty director, Julee Wilson was the Huffington Posts senior fashion editor. While there, Wilson described #BlackGirlMagic as a term used to illustrate the universal awesomeness of black women. Its about celebrating anything we deem particularly dope, inspiring, or mind-blowing about ourselves.Through this term, black women have boldly declared to love who they are -- utterly and completely.This summer, #BlackGirlMagic was on full display at the Rio Olympics. From gymnast Simone Biles to the USA womens track and field team, women of color absolutely dominated the competition.But it was the #BlackGirlMagic moment of swimmer Simone Manuels historic gold-medal win in the 100-meter freestyle event that forever changed my life. In under 60 seconds, 52.70 to be exact, Manuels Olympic record-setting finish single-handedly transformed the perception and futures of American black girls everywhere. Not only do black girls swim, but we are also the best in the world.Immediately following Manuels victory, the hashtag #BlackGirlsSwim spread like wildfire, trending on every major social media platform as proud black people honored Manuels accomplishment. Then, Manuels post-swim interview and her words, This medal is not just for me, its for a whole bunch of people who have [come] before me and who have been an inspiration for me ...?And its for all the people after me, who believe they cant do it ... And I just want to be an inspiration to others -- that you?can?do it, hit me like a ton of bricks.Overcome with emotion, in that exact moment I decided enough was enough. It was no longer acceptable for me to contribute to the 70 percent and willfully perpetuate the harmful, disempowering misrepresentation of my people. I was going to join the myth-busting group of magical black women who validate #BlackGirlsSwim.It took me some time to honor my commitment, but two months ago I marched into my local Harlem YMCA and signed up for classes. Four days later, I showed up to class, a bit nervous but also eager about what was to come. Imagining myself insouciantly jumping off of boats and into oceans was truly exciting. And I didnt let hair, social stigmas or anything else hold me back.And six weeks later, mission accomplished. I jumped into the deep end of the pool, unassisted and uninhibited for the first time. The act of freely jumping into the water was rewarding because it marked the successful end to a long personal journey of self-actualization. But more than that, it symbolized the relinquishment of the burdensome past of my ancestors, and our resilience to rewrite history.Honestly, if Manuel hadnt won gold or competed in the Olympics, I cant confidently say that I would have committed to learning how to swim. But because of her, I did.My final swim lesson was Wednesday. And after seven weeks I can proudly proclaim myself a black girl who swims.Shana Renee is the founder and editor-in-chief of All Sports Everything and a passionate New York Jets, Knicks and Yankees fan. Follow her sports talk on Twitter at?@ItsShanaRenee. Cleveland Indians Jerseys . Nigeria beat surprise package Ethiopia 2-0 in the second leg of their playoff for a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory. Victor Moses converted a 20th-minute penalty after an Ethiopian handball, and Victor Obinna made certain of Nigerias place in Brazil with his powerful free kick in the 82nd at UJ Esuene Stadium. Francisco Lindor Jersey . -- Teemu Selanne scored the first goal of his 22nd NHL season, and the Anaheim Ducks extended the best start in franchise history with their fifth straight victory, 3-2 over the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night. http://www.indiansteamproshop.com/Indians-Matt-Belisle-Kids-Jersey/ . The Vancouver coach and an announced sellout crowd of 18,910 watched in dismay as the Canucks lost 7-4 to the New York Islanders on Monday night by squandering a 3-0 lead in the third period. It might have come as a shock to fans but Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade says hes well advanced in his plans to replace Gary Ablett as the Suns captain.Ablett confirmed last week he was stepping down as the AFL clubs captain after an injury-plagued past two seasons.The 32-year-old had earlier requested a release from the club and missed the beginning of the Suns pre-season on a delayed honeymoon.Eade says Abletts intention to step down had been clear since the players end-of-season review in August.We sat down and had a chat at the end of August as part of his review ... he spoke to me then that hed like to step down, he said.Obviously he thought it was a good idea, not just for himself, but for the team.So weve had a good three months ... Ive done a lot of work internally and hopefully by Christmas well be able to announce something.Forward Tom Lynch and defender Steven May are the frontrunners to replace Ablett.Both led the team towards the end of last season with Ablett injured and Eade confirmed they were ahead of their teammates in the reckoning.The prospect of the pair being named co-captains has been mooted but Eade admits its a concept hes not a huge fan of.Im always one that hassnt been sold on the idea, to be honest, he said. Manny Ramirez Jersey. .Maybe thats old school, but it has been successful at Sydney; GWS have got it at the moment. Its something thats been discussed and talked about internally.Eade on Monday unveiled former St Kilda, Sydney and Western Bulldogs forward Barry Hall as a specialist coach for the club.Hall, who was coached by Eade at the Swans and Bulldogs, will work with the clubs key position players such as Lynch and May on a part-time basis next season.He said having the opportunity to help the Suns talent achieve their potential is exciting but it wasnt being seen as a stepping stone into a more full-time coaching job in the future.These blokes (coaches) are mad, seriously, Hall said.I love the game. I love the specialist coaching part. I love working with young people, which probably shows my immaturity ... guiding them in places where I didnt get guided when I was a bit younger.Its a part I really enjoy and when you actually see them do something that youve told them to do, it gives you a little bit of a feeling. 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