More Than A Conqueror
When arriving at the Eddie G. Robinson Museum in Grambling at the request of Eddie Robinson Jr. and the Robinson family to unveil a Painting in memory of Coach Rob, I remember arriving and meeting many of the Grambling Family. I felt very nervous at first until a familiar and comforting face walked in and put his arm around me whispering in my ear that he had an additional opportunity for me. That face was one of my friends Mr. Doug Williams. The legendary man who had taken me under his powerful wing and over the years had treated me as his Brother. He would tell me of the plans of the NFL to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his historic performance in Super Bowl XXII and how he wanted to personally commission me to to the official Painting and Limited Edition.
I was stunned and very excited all at once trying to control myself in front of all of the dignitaries present for the Robinson unveiling. After returning home I would research the Super Bowl details and start my search for the perfect photo which would do justice to what was accomplished that day beyond the game. I remembered how I felt after witnessing Doug's performance and the destruction of the myth attached to our people of mental inferiority that would hinder us from being able to stand the cerebral demands of being a successful NFL Quarterback.
I remembered the pride of my Daddy and Brother as well as all of the men in our neighborhood. The cheers and even the tears after the validation of having the proof on a worldwide stage of the death of the myth. I didn't see the need for the Painting to be exceptionally large yet powerful in stressing not only Doug's athletic ability but his preparation and strict training received from Coach Rob at Grambling. His perfected form and attention to pocket detail were a perfect match for the leadership it would take for him to be injured in the game and yet rise up like a Phoenix from the ashes of injury to seize the moment inspiring his teammates to take full advantage of the opportunity to provide eternal inspiration to us all. Destiny is a place where you arrive with the cost of hard work yet with the shofar driven ride by God himself. I wanted to show the sweat that would thwart the myth that just sheer ability would easily award victory without the necessary work required. No Player wins on his own. The perfected blocking, pass receptions, and excellent preparation and play calling put Doug in a position to make history and an intangible difference. I had the distinct pleasure to accompany Doug and the great James Shack-Harris to Washington where we unveiled the Preliminary Drawing for the coming Original Painting at their annual charity banquet.
I met the lady who explained with great pride that when Doug came to Washington, She and her family took him in and just adopted him as their own. She would go on to point out that the towel that Doug wore tucked in the belt of his pants was custom made by her. His number 17 in the center that no one else had. I remembered as I painted to give special attention to the towel. The care of those behind the scenes who took great pride in making sure the moral support was there for my friend. God always has somebody to stir the embers of inspiration.
I wanted to show the Offensive Line excellence that made making history possible. The cool and focused look on Doug's face says all about the poise instilled in him to be the leader that made Coach Gibbs and Robinson so proud. I have never been more proud of a Painting and more proud of the subject. To emerge me into the details if his mesh jersey and the brand of his patented statuesque stance were fulfilling beyond words. The high to white shoes and the details of the laces were just a joy to take the time and intricate work that was earned and deserved by my friend. I don't think there will ever be a more powerful performance that touches as many hearts and changed so many minds. Because of his undaunted courage and superior excellence, Doug opened the door for many African American Quarterbacks and men, in general, to enjoy the stance on the platform of athletics or life and make full proof of our God given opportunity and ability. Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. (Romans 8:37 AMP)
ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL U.S.
I was stunned and very excited all at once trying to control myself in front of all of the dignitaries present for the Robinson unveiling. After returning home I would research the Super Bowl details and start my search for the perfect photo which would do justice to what was accomplished that day beyond the game. I remembered how I felt after witnessing Doug's performance and the destruction of the myth attached to our people of mental inferiority that would hinder us from being able to stand the cerebral demands of being a successful NFL Quarterback.
I remembered the pride of my Daddy and Brother as well as all of the men in our neighborhood. The cheers and even the tears after the validation of having the proof on a worldwide stage of the death of the myth. I didn't see the need for the Painting to be exceptionally large yet powerful in stressing not only Doug's athletic ability but his preparation and strict training received from Coach Rob at Grambling. His perfected form and attention to pocket detail were a perfect match for the leadership it would take for him to be injured in the game and yet rise up like a Phoenix from the ashes of injury to seize the moment inspiring his teammates to take full advantage of the opportunity to provide eternal inspiration to us all. Destiny is a place where you arrive with the cost of hard work yet with the shofar driven ride by God himself. I wanted to show the sweat that would thwart the myth that just sheer ability would easily award victory without the necessary work required. No Player wins on his own. The perfected blocking, pass receptions, and excellent preparation and play calling put Doug in a position to make history and an intangible difference. I had the distinct pleasure to accompany Doug and the great James Shack-Harris to Washington where we unveiled the Preliminary Drawing for the coming Original Painting at their annual charity banquet.
I met the lady who explained with great pride that when Doug came to Washington, She and her family took him in and just adopted him as their own. She would go on to point out that the towel that Doug wore tucked in the belt of his pants was custom made by her. His number 17 in the center that no one else had. I remembered as I painted to give special attention to the towel. The care of those behind the scenes who took great pride in making sure the moral support was there for my friend. God always has somebody to stir the embers of inspiration.
I wanted to show the Offensive Line excellence that made making history possible. The cool and focused look on Doug's face says all about the poise instilled in him to be the leader that made Coach Gibbs and Robinson so proud. I have never been more proud of a Painting and more proud of the subject. To emerge me into the details if his mesh jersey and the brand of his patented statuesque stance were fulfilling beyond words. The high to white shoes and the details of the laces were just a joy to take the time and intricate work that was earned and deserved by my friend. I don't think there will ever be a more powerful performance that touches as many hearts and changed so many minds. Because of his undaunted courage and superior excellence, Doug opened the door for many African American Quarterbacks and men, in general, to enjoy the stance on the platform of athletics or life and make full proof of our God given opportunity and ability. Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. (Romans 8:37 AMP)
ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING WITHIN THE CONTINENTAL U.S.