African American Studies

Organized sports have played an integral role in Black culture for centuries. Since the mid-1900s, the numerous aspects of African American ethnology that arose from the world of sports has often been regarded as one of the first facets of modern American culture to normalize racial equality.

The impact of Black athletes across the history of sports is an undeniable one, but also one that has not always been accomplished on equal footing. having had to overcome the rules of the times they were accomplished in. This is a look back at many significant firsts, highlights, and noteworthy moments accomplished by Black athletes across the sporting spectrum, as well as the conditions that secured their significance.

At the Aspen Institute’s 2019 Project Play Summit, former NBA and University of Michigan star Chris Webber implored parents of youth basketball players to focus less on future stardom – and more on human development – so their child enjoys a positive experience.

There is a long tradition of Black athletes engaging in activism. But we have seldom seen so much attention be paid to their political statements and actions—including the recent NBA strike in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, which spread to the WNBA, MLS, MLB and professional tennis.