It was absurd. First of all, women were too delicate to do it. Second of all, BLACK women would be even MORE outlandish doing it. Not only would it make a great racist gag, but it would keep Black people oppressed. What was it?
In the 1890s, our people were at a loss for leadership. Colorism was on the rise, our legal rights were not being upheld, and lynchings were commonplace. But a group of Black women decided to participate in something that was sweeping the nation.
Baseball! A group of Black women called the Dolly Vardens played PROFESSIONAL baseball during a time when Black women were seen only as domestic servants. Why was what they did so important for equality?
Their audacious move reinvigorated the fight for equal rights, and it disproved Black inferiority. The Dolly Vardens brought our people together where we fellowshipped, planned, and found new leadership. Members of the Dolly Vardens became activists for civil rights!
A side benefit: the move made racists – and sexists – look stupid.
The Dolly Vardens were a gimmick to the outside world, but they helped reinvigorate the Black Equality movement. There is strength in numbers, and we must always look for creative ways to inspire our people to fight for liberation!