Shared between men, women, co-workers, strangers, family, friends, and these guys, Hi 5’s are the universal sign, for “good job,” “fantastic,” “way to go,” and one of the first tricks we teach out pets.  It’s Hi Five Day!  Not to be confused with the ever popular Low-5, the Hi-Five is an upward extension of the arm to an open-face palm that is then slapped by another person’s mirroring gesture.

Who do we have to thank for this universal sign of encouragement?  A BLACK MAN!  Of course, there are a handful of conflicting stories from others who want the credit, but according to my source, this photograph documents the first ever Hi-Five.  Appropriately being given in joy and celebration Glenn Burke, the black man who invented the Hi-Five in 1977, is congratulating his teammate, Dusty Baker, who has just hit his 30th homerun.   Surrounded by controversy in his later years, this openly gay, black, professional athlete, who was compared to Willie Mays was definitely ahead of his time.   I’m sure in addition to his baseball career, he’d be very proud to know his Hi-Five still carries on giving supportive sentiments around the world.

Celebrate today by giving everyone you see a joyous Hi-Five of encouragement!

In other News…

It’s also Lima Bean Respect Day and I wasn’t going to say anything, but how can I ignore a lentil that just wants us to put some respek on its name.  (Warning the following video contains a tad bit of profanity, but it’s funny as hell.)