4.19 African Americans and Sports
Welcome to an exciting look at the world of sports! In this chapter, we explore how sports have served as much more than just a game for African Americans. From the early days of the 1800s to the modern era, sports have been a powerful platform for visibility, excellence, and social activism. Whether it’s on a horse track, an Olympic podium, or a football field, Black athletes have used their platform to challenge the status quo and demand justice.
Don't worry if you aren't a "sports person"—in AP African American Studies, we focus on the historical and social impact of these events rather than the scores of the games!
1. Early Roots: Excellence in Horse Racing
Long before the major leagues we know today existed, African Americans were dominant in the world of professional sports, particularly in horse racing. In the early 19th century, many jockeys were enslaved or formerly enslaved men who possessed incredible skill and knowledge of horses.
Required Source: Jockeys Compete at the Washington Races 1840
This source illustrates the early presence and competitive nature of Black athletes in American horse racing. During this time, horse racing was the most popular sport in the United States, and Black jockeys were its first superstars. This reminds us that African Americans have been central to American sports culture since the very beginning, even while facing the harsh realities of a segregated and enslaved society.
Key Takeaway: Black athletic participation is not a recent development; it is a long-standing tradition of excellence that dates back to the early 19th century.
2. The Olympic Stage: Protest and Symbolism
As we move into the 20th century, sports became a global stage. The 1960s were a time of intense struggle for civil rights in the U.S., and Black athletes brought that struggle to the world's attention during the Olympic Games.
Required Source: Smith and Carlos, clenched fists, 1968 Olympics
This is one of the most iconic images in sports history. During the medal ceremony for the 200-meter dash at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith (gold medalist) and John Carlos (bronze medalist) raised black-gloved, clenched fists during the playing of the U.S. national anthem.
What did the symbols mean?
- The Clenched Fist: A symbol of Black Power and solidarity with the struggle for human rights.
- The Black Socks (no shoes): Represented Black poverty in America.
- The Scarf/Beads: Worn to symbolize those who had been lynched or killed in the struggle for freedom.
Why it matters: This act of resistance showed that Black athletes were willing to risk their careers to stand up for their community. It highlighted the theme of Resistance and Resilience, proving that the athletic arena is an inseparable part of the fight for social justice.
3. Modern Activism: The Contemporary Era
The tradition of using sports to protest systemic issues continues today. In the 21st century, athletes have used their massive media presence to draw attention to issues like police brutality and racial inequality.
Required Source: Seahawks versus 49ers 2017
This source refers to the period of widespread protests in the NFL, where players "took a knee" during the national anthem. This movement was famously started by Colin Kaepernick to protest police brutality and systemic racism. By 2017, many players across different teams (like the Seahawks and 49ers) joined in these demonstrations of solidarity.
Analogy: Think of the sports field as a "megaphone." When an athlete takes a knee, they aren't just doing a physical action; they are using their "megaphone" to make sure the entire country hears their message about justice.
Quick Review: Comparison of Protests
Both the 1968 Olympic protest and the 2017 NFL protests used the national anthem as a moment to highlight that the "American Dream" was not yet a reality for all Black citizens. This shows a continuity (a pattern that stays the same) in how Black athletes use their visibility for activism.
4. Summary of Key Themes
Resistance and Resilience
Black athletes have consistently used their platforms to resist oppression. Whether it was the silent strength of jockeys in 1840 or the public protests of 1968 and 2017, sports have been a site of political struggle.
Intersections of Identity
African American athletes navigate a complex space where they are celebrated for their physical talents while often being criticized when they speak out about their identities or the challenges their communities face.
Check Your Understanding
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't assume these protests were just about "hating the flag." According to the athletes themselves, these actions were about holding the country accountable to its promises of liberty and justice for everyone.
Quick Quiz:
- What did the clenched fists at the 1968 Olympics symbolize?
- Which 1840 source shows the early involvement of African Americans in professional sports?
- What modern issue were NFL players protesting in the 2017 source?
Answers: 1. Black Power and solidarity. 2. Jockeys Compete at the Washington Races. 3. Police brutality and systemic racism.
Final Tip: When writing your DBQ (Document-Based Question) or short answers, try to connect the 1968 Olympics to the 2017 NFL protests to show continuity over time. This is a high-level skill that AP graders love to see!
Note: For more on how Black culture evolved during this time, see chapter 4.17 The Evolution of African American Music or 4.18 Black Life in Theater, TV, and Film.