T.O.B.E.'s Blog – January 2010 Archive (8)

T.O.B.E.: Sugar Bear - The Other Black Experience

Legendary Black biker finally celebrated by the motorcylcle industry.

Sugar Bear's shop opened its doors in Los Angeles in 1971, with the intent to produce street rideable choppers and products. It soon became apparent that a quality custom springer needed to be built to achieve the "long" look desired by his customers.

The strong and stylish Sugar Bear Springer for which he became famous was constructed with steel (rather than tubes).…

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Added by T.O.B.E. on January 31, 2010 at 7:30pm — 1 Comment

T.O.B.E.: James Bubba Stewart - The Other Black Experience

Young African American motorcross racer makes History.

23-year-old James "Bubba" Stewart entered his first dirtbike race at age 4, and went on to win 11 American Motorcycle Association amateur national titles.

In 2002, he made his pro debut and was named Rookie Of The Year. He has since won many supercross championships and races, and has received many accolades and major endorsements.

As the first African American to dominate the field… Continue

Added by T.O.B.E. on January 30, 2010 at 3:30pm — No Comments

T.O.B.E: Work To Ride - The Other Black Experience

Non-profit made History with the first African-American Polo team in the nation.

"Founded in 1994, Work to Ride (WTR) is a 501 c3, non-profit community-based prevention program that aids disadvantaged urban youth though constructive activities centered on horsemanship, equine sports and education. The program is housed at Chamounix Stables, located in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. This setting provides a unique opportunity to bring urban youth in contact with animals and… Continue

Added by T.O.B.E. on January 28, 2010 at 4:30pm — 1 Comment

T.O.B.E.: Charles F. Bolden, Jr. - The Other Black Experience

Retired astronaut Gen. Charles Bolden is the current National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator. Picked by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, He is the first African-American to head the agency on a permanent basis.

Born in 1946 in segregated South Carolina, he had to study in a blacks-only school. His perseverance and high grades earned him a spot at the U.S. Naval Academy. He then became one of the United Sates Marine Corps'… Continue

Added by T.O.B.E. on January 28, 2010 at 3:30pm — No Comments

T.O.B.E.: Willie O'Ree - The Other Black Experience

First Black player in the National Hockey League

Special thanks to AP Community member Amoni for telling us about him!

Willie O'Ree was born on October 15, 1935 in Fredericton, New Brunswick in Canada. He began playing ice hockey as a child in Canada and was playing in a local league by the time he was 5 years old. "That was the thing to do in the winter," he says. "Everything freezes over, the… Continue

Added by T.O.B.E. on January 28, 2010 at 1:30pm — No Comments

T.O.B.E.: Tony Hansberry II - The Other Black Experience

14-year-old develops a way of sewing up patients after hysterectomies.

Tony Hansberry II is a ninth-grader. The new sewing technique he has developed helps to to reduce the risk of complications and simplifies the hysterectomy procedure for less seasoned surgeons.

This neurosurgeon in the making attends Darnell-Cookman Middle/High School, a magnet school in Jacksonville, Florida, geared toward all things medical. His project came about last summer during his… Continue

Added by T.O.B.E. on January 27, 2010 at 3:30pm — 1 Comment

T.O.B.E.: Ric'key Pageot - The Other Black Experience

Cirque du Soleil's youngest musical director now touring with major artists.

Ric'key Pageot is a pianist, keyboardist, producer, composer, arranger, born and raised in Montreal, Canada, from a musical family of Haitian descent. His life is an inspiring example of how far hard work can take you.

As a child, his parents noticed his interest for the piano and initiated him to private lessons in classical music. By the age of twelve, he was performing with his family in… Continue

Added by T.O.B.E. on January 27, 2010 at 1:30pm — No Comments

T.O.B.E.: Bill Powell - The Other Black Experience

First African-American to build, own a golf course

Source: The New York Times

EAST CANTON, Ohio — Every corner of the modest two-story frame clubhouse he owns and operates, every tee and green of Clearview Golf Club, the 18-hole course he designed and built, bears the imprint of Bill Powell. Sown 63 years ago in an act of defiance, nurtured by the sheer force of will of the man whose vision gave it birth, the club stands as a monument to a golf giant who has battled… Continue

Added by T.O.B.E. on January 26, 2010 at 3:00pm — No Comments