"Hill is a co-host for ESPN2's weekday sports discussion program "His & Hers" with Michael Smith. Hill and Smith will take over as co-anchors of the 6 p.m. "SportsCenter" on February 6, 2017."Jemele Hill
Dear Leslie,
The old adage is that "you never get a second chance to make a first impression," so with that in mind, allow me to discuss the very first time I saw you.
See, you've got a lot new fans, Leslie -- and deservedly so. They know about "Saturday Night Live" Leslie. They know about Twitter Leslie, who narrates sports events in such an entertaining and dramatic way that it's as if the fate of humanity rests on every outcome. And they know about "Ghostbusters" Leslie, who as a member of a talented all-female leading cast brought new life to a classic, in a manner that most of us never imagined.
But the first time I saw you was years ago on HBO's "Def Comedy Jam." I'm too old and senile to remember the exact year, but you made a joke about cheating boyfriends -- the one about "Charles and the beef stew" -- that was so funny to me and my best friend from college that we still quote it constantly to this day.
I knew then that you had "it." It just took the rest of the world a little time to figure it out. And you know better than anyone that many of us aren't exactly the brightest bulbs in the lamp.
My mother often tells me that everything has a season. And if you grew up in a Baptist church like I did, you often heard the church elders say that what "God has in store for you, no one else can take away." You are a walking testimony in that regard.
The reason you are so widely and universally appreciated is because people are drawn to authenticity and fearlessness. There are far too many women -- especially women of color -- who spend the bulk of their lives apologizing for who they are, or going through the tiresome exercise of trying to make others comfortable. And too many women have to apologize for their success in ways men do not.
You've also taught us to be resilient and reminded us that there is victory in outlasting petty, angry people who, in these times, have their negativity legitimized and trumpeted far too often.
Anyway, some might see your ascension as long overdue. There's certainly some truth to that. But I believe you "arrived" right on time, if only to give me bragging rights about knowing you were destined for this.
Sincerely,
Jemele Hill
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The IMPACT25 is espnW's annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest difference for women in sports. Explore the 2016 list and more content at espnW.com/IMPACT25.