It's late March, but here at Sporting News we believe it's never a wrong time for a black history lesson.
The name Alfred E. Waddell might not mean much to you, but it means a whole lot to Ronda Rousey. Waddell, one of the first black physicians in North America, is the UFC superstar's great-grandfather. It's an interesting tidbit Rousey's mom dropped on an unsuspecting TMZ reporter who recently ambushed the family outside an event.
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Rousey initially tried to ward off the reporter's question about the last movie she had seen, saying she simply wanted to spend time with her family. That's when Ma Dukes (aka AnnMaria De Mars) chimed in and schooled everybody a little something about her grandfather, suggesting the cameraman watch "Before His Time."
"They show it (during) Black History Month every year in Canada," Rousey's mother said.
The film tells the story of Waddell, a doctor and Canadian civil rights activist. He emigrated from his native Trinidad, overcoming extreme prejudice north of the border to start a thriving practice that provided medical services to under-resourced people.
Now you know.
It's not like this information was hidden. It has been chilling on Rousey's Wikipedia page for who knows how long. But you know you can't take everything you read on the Internet as fact. We'll ride with Rousey's mother's word as confirmation.
We, the blacks (y'all remember the "Racial Draft" skit on "Chappelle's Show"?), are ready to embrace Rousey with open arms.
Hey, historically speaking, it wasn't too long ago that the one-drop rule was in full effect, so don't go splitting hairs with us now. (Please, please relax; these are jokes.) We'll take an international sports icon off waivers when we can get one.
We've moved fast on this. Accept the words of one of our chief spokespeople, comedian Cedric the Entertainer, as our official statement on the matter. (BEWARE: The following contains language that may not be suitable for work or small children.)
Seriously, Rousey and her immense talent belong to the world, and we're all blessed to be able to witness one of the greatest female athletes ever to do her thing.
Now, when's that next fight? Somebody call Dana White.