Origin of the high five

In case you aren't aware, you should know that there's a fierce ongoing debate as to the origin of the high five. Some credit Lamont Sleets Jr, a Murray State basketball player who traces it back to the mid-60's. The story goes that it began as an informal greeting among his father's army buddies from "The Five" (1st Battalion, 5th Infantry in Vietnam). A young Lamont began using the gesture as well, adding a "Hi, Five!" to greet the group by name.

Others would have you believe it was University of Louisville's Derek Smith who coined the gesture and term in 1979. A few sources credit the Dodgers' Dusty Baker and Glenn Burke with the first high five in 1977. Wikipedia traces its roots to as early as Gene Kelly and Phil Silvers in the 1944 movie Cover Girl.

Regardless of its origin, the high five has fallen on some hard times since the mid-80's. I've heard some go so far as to say it's "not cool." I hope you'll join me in ensuring the high five remain an important and respected part of congratulatory celebrations. We can't let the world sully its reputation and hallowed, albeit disputed, history. Please join me in bringing it back, one high five at a time.