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The opening Sunday of the 2021 NFL season saw Maia Chaka make history as she became the first black woman to officiate in an NFL game. It was a seismic sports day in the battle for equality and diversity.
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It's been a long time in the making, and hopefully, the NFL will have a more diverse officiating crew. History will recognize Maia Chaka as a trailblazer. Therefore it's worth examining how Maia Chaka got here.
Maia Chaka made history in Week 1
The NFL hired Maia Chaka in March as the new league season came to life. Chaka held experience officiating in the PAC 12 and other collegiate games.
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That experience saw the NFL fast-track Chaka to the NFL's official development program. Chaka worked hard honing her craft and gaining invaluable knowledge and inside information as she strived to make it to the NFL.
Chaka told Today.com about how shocked she was when she received the call from the NFL that they were elevating her to the regular season crew: "Because I've been at it for so long, I just never thought the day would come. I just enjoyed working."
Chaka was a school teacher prior to starting her officiating career. While working in education, the new official demonstrated superb leadership and showed that she can be a role model to her students.
Chaka now has the opportunity on a worldwide stage to be a role model for millions of people. The NFL is trying hard to become more diverse, and reach minority communities. Hiring Maia Chaka is a step forward, although the NFL can always do more.
Chaka knows what an honor this is. But she is also aware that it is only the start.
She was also appointed as a line judge for the Steelers vs Browns matchup in Week 6 of the 2022 NFL season, garnering plaudits for her officiating.
It is an amazing achievement to get here, but the journey is not over for Maia Chaka and female officials.
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