Entertaining Race by Michael Eric Dyson

Author:Michael Eric Dyson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

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As an ordained Baptist minister for 35 years, I can testify that living for the Lord isn’t always smooth sailing. As the old gospel song goes, its protagonist dramatically embodying the plight of all Christians, “Nobody told me that the road would be easy.” Curry has had his share of bumps, too, including, most recently, the perceived shade thrown his way by four-time MVP LeBron James, who, while acknowledging that Curry deserved the honor, nevertheless tacked ever so slightly, some might say tackily, toward a distinction without a difference: most valuable player versus best player. There appeared to be a hint of whatever is the opposite of schadenfreude, not outright jealousy, mind you, but a laudatory toast to a friendly foe with a twist of post-Beyoncé lemonade. Curry’s response was far more literal and hence unsusceptible to colorful literary interpretation: “I’ve gotten good at ignoring people.” Like Stephen off the dribble in a hotly contested game, shots were fired.

But it’s off the court where Stephen and Ayesha, and their daughter Riley, too, have made a powerful impression, and where they have also endured their share of flagrant fouls. Stephen and Ayesha have brought a verve and wholesomeness to Black coupledom that is only rivaled by Barack and Michelle Obama. Curry takes as much pride in his marriage as in his transcendent basketball achievements—maybe even more. “I think everybody knows that nothing comes before his family,” Curry’s teammate Draymond Green told me. “It’s incredible to see, especially firsthand. But it’s not a façade.” Stephen’s brother Seth, who plays with the Sacramento Kings, agrees. “It’s not like he’s putting on a show for anybody,” Seth tells me. “What people see on Instagram, Twitter, and on TV is who he is.” Their authenticity draws people to the couple as a role model for healthy togetherness.

“The beauty of it is, we just try to be ourselves,” Stephen tells me. “And the biggest compliment I think we’ve gotten is that people that know us, on and off the court, feel that we’re the same people we were when we first got married almost six years ago. And not let this whole scene change us, even though it is a huge platform to be an influence, not only to young couples, and young parents. It’s just pretty special.”

Stephen’s boyish handsomeness and Ayesha’s radiant beauty have made them the darling of a Black America hungry for the public affirmation of Black love—for its steely persistence amidst social forces that crush the Black family beneath stereotypes of pathology and dysfunction. In a time where hip hop’s cynicism about love’s edifying possibilities shadows the culture, Stephen and Ayesha’s sexy embrace of cheerful monogamy stands out.

Stephen’s parents provided a sturdy blueprint for him to follow. “They’re a great example of a marriage sticking together, especially through their professions, and their children,” Stephen says. “That was a great help for me growing up to know it’s possible. It’s not easy; it’s definitely hard work. It’s very taxing, especially on

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