Race Records and Race Relations - Trying to Explain the Texas Relays

In 2008, I saw Leo Manzano run a sub -4 minute mile.  3 minutes, 57 seconds (3:56.98 to be exact).  It was amazing, from the crowd, to the announcer somehow giving a play by play of a guy running in a circle, the history of the old record he was on pace to break, and the roar of the crowd as he crossed the finish line.  It was a great moment to celebrate success with total strangers.  We all knew we had seen something special.

The Texas GOAT.

In 2004, I took a Hispanic Lady friend downtown, and ran a sub -4.6 40 (Cameron Jr. was fastlsummbitch) in the opposite directions on gunshots that rang out of the most popular street associated with one of the most famous Universities in the world.  This is the duality of the Texas Relays - it's a celebration of some of the greatest athletes in the world that doubles as a weekend where a heavy dose of the wrong element occupies a normally (not always, but normally) safe environment.

The Texas Relays was birthed in 1925 as a response to the Kansas Relays (IT WAS TOO DAMN COLD IN KANSAS) and has grown into the second largest track meet in America, behind the Penn Relays.  The top athletes from the high school, college and pro level compete in front of a packed stadium for records and yearly bragging rights.  I've seen Maurice Green Run.  Live. In Person.  GREATNESS!  Even my old high school pal (IN ALL THAT DAMN PURPLE) went out there and burned up the track, so the Relays are a great mix of nostalgia, as well as seeing the future of Track and Field all compete together.

2009 LSU Women's Mile Relay Team - BURNERS!

Now, take a second to consult the Google.  Type in "Texas relays" then choose the images tab. Better yet, I'll do it for you. "Party, Slab, 6th St., Cars."  WHA?  What does any of that have to do with a track meet?  Monetarily, plenty.  It's estimated that the city brings in an additional 8 million dollars in that individual weekend, mostly due to events geared towards young African Americans.  Like these:

I would kinda like to hear a new Big Pic Verse...

Griff, Chykie, Chris  and Curtis... not a bad secondary...

Other than DJ Grip... I don't know any of these people...

I'd say avoid this one...

Damnit James, you fight to well to be nicknamed "Mandingo"!!!

This is where things change.  People, not just white people, but people that aren't for large young (like can't get into a bar, but don't want to pay a cover to get into a club) crowds of people in the street to be in the street, aren't for being shouted at and cat called by said people, and aren't looking for a fight for accidentally bumping into someone in the street. What street? this one -

That's a lot of people.

Bars shut down for the weekend.  Bars that I frequent WITH BY BLACK FRIENDS, THAT I'VE NEVER BEEN TURNED AWAY FROM board up the damn windows!  To say race doesn't play any issue in would be a damn lie, but there's actual evidence to suggest that 1) your regular patrons won't show 2) you won't necessarily generate new business unless you throw a specific type of party and 3)  THEY SHOOTIN'!

So the dedicated out-of-towners for Texas Relays weekend bring a mix of excitement, entertainment and well, fear to a city used to a certain style and pace.  There's no shame in not participating in the events ,especially the ones that happen after dark.  But well - the silver lining? YouTube videos like this:



See y'all at Myers Stadium! Maybe...