“[…] Those who benefit most from the inequalities of racism and supremacy that we continue to live in today are, in Dr Martin Luther King’s words, more efficient and effective with the limited time that they are afforded. “That leaves us—who are progressive, who dream of a better world—with the …
Read More »TedXPOS (Video): Shaka Hislop: ‘Success is yours to define!’
In this Ted talk, ESPN soccer analyst and former Trinidad and Tobago World Cup goalkeeper and England Premier League star Shaka Hislop reminds us that culture, identity, and community are powerful weapons in our journey to success: More from Wired868 B&B Ep 18: Jan-Michael Williams (Pt 1): My path to …
Read More »Shaka: Troubling TTFA revelations don’t justify Fifa intervention—they challenge us to fix ourselves
Well, this really has been a strange couple of weeks. I’ve found myself having in-depth conversations with some of my best and dearest friends regarding our football and the position we currently find ourselves in. We really are up a murky creek; and Fifa has snatched our paddles and are …
Read More »‘An issue for every single one of us!’ Shaka Hislop on the killing of George Floyd
‘Riot is the language of the unheard’—Reverent Dr Martin Luther King Jr George Floyd’s death has sparked riots and reactions like I have not witnessed during my lifetime. Coming at a time when the many faces of racism and racist reaction had already brought the conversation to the front pages. …
Read More »Shaka: T&T football stuck between criminalisation and colonisation, Fifa has betrayed us
In early December of last year, I was in Trinidad to film a commercial for Unit Trust alongside none other than the world’s first black Miss Universe, Janelle Penny Commissiong. The format of the shoot was an informal conversation between two nationals about their successes, their failures—you get the picture. …
Read More »Shaka Hislop: Brazil, says my head, Argentina, says my heart, Achtung! warns experience
Who I’d like to see win the World Cup and who I think will win are two completely different things. I’d like to see Argentina win it. For Leo Messi. To take his rightful place on the “best ever” shortlist, Messi, who, in my opinion, is the best player of …
Read More »Shaka: Why a negative response to San Juan North story grated; and what it says about us
Here comes a rant! Okay, I’m penning this in response to a tweet I got on Friday. I’m leaving out names and ‘@s’—my wife’s orders. I retweeted a fantastic piece by @Wired868 about San Juan North Secondary, the defending SSFL Intercol champions. A piece highlighting the wonderful work of great …
Read More »Some of Marisa’s critics would make Trump blush; Shaka joins gymnastics debate
I see, in Trinidad and Tobago, the discrimination against foreign-born athletes is alive and kicking. Full disclosure: I was born in the UK and represented T&T with all of my pride. I also have more than a passing interest in gymnastics. So I have followed the personalities, issues and discussion …
Read More »Shaka: Here’s why T&T football needs the SSFL
Before I get going in earnest let me start by admitting my own bias. I haven’t actually lived in Trinidad and Tobago for well over 25 years now. As much as I’ve tried to keep up with the local game, it’s been through the media and I fully appreciate that …
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