Race and Sport

Even before the desegregation of the military and public education and before blacks had full legal access to voting racial barriers had begun to fall in American sports. This collection of essays shows that for many African Americans it was the world of athletics that first opened an avenue to equality and democratic involvement. Race and Sport showcases African Americans as key figures making football baseball basketball and boxing internationally popular though inequalities still exist today. Among the early notables discussed is Fritz Pollard an African American who played professional football before the National Football League established a controversial color barrier. Another the boxer Sugar Ray Robinson exemplifies the black American athlete as an international celebrity. African American women also played an important role in bringing down the barriers especially in the early development of women¿s basketball. In baseball both African American and Hispanic players faced down obstacles and entered the sports mainstream after World War II. One essay discusses the international spread of American imperialism through sport. Another shows how mass media images of African American athletes continue to shape public perceptions. Although each of these six essays explores a different facet of sports in America together they comprise an analytical examination of African American society¿s tumultuous struggle for full participation both on and off the athletic field.