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‘The Start of Something Big’

In honor of Black History Month, Sports Illustrated is passing the pen to prominent Black voices across sports to reflect, re-examine legacies and share their stories and viewpoints on what lies ahead for the next generation of trailblazers.

John Raoux/AP

“You’ll never be criticized by someone who’s doing more than you. You’ll always be criticized by someone doing less. Remember that.”

I came across these words from Denzel Washington during the week leading up to this year’s Daytona 500. Most people have a mantra in life that they live by, a simple yet profoundly powerful phrase that reminds them to keep moving forward or brings them peace.