The presence of people of African descent on numerous teams across the globe is an open invitation to explore historic and contemporary migration patterns - both voluntary and involuntary - to broaden our perspectives about the world around us.

Although Gabby was the winner, I couldn't stop thinking about Dominique Dawes, and how she paved the way for Gabby and started my obsession with Olympic Sport. Gabby also closed a chapter in my life. She won the Gold Medal that I wanted Dominique to win.

Aptly nicknamed "Flying Squirrel," 16-year-old gymnast Gabrielle Douglas defies gravity, a feat that might make Olympic history at this summer's games...

Fifteen years ago Dominique Dawes became the first African American to win an Olympic gymnastics individual event medal. Her epic stand-in for injured...