This course provides a socio-cultural and historical overview of the contributions of African Americans (men and women) to sport in America. Focus is on the macro (patterns of behavior related to large-scale social structures and processes) and micro (behaviors we observe in society, often readily observable in the context of sport and exercise) level of sport analysis.

Learning Objectives

  • Analyze and understand the experience of African Americans in sports including the pre-integration era, the Civil Rights era, and Black Lives Matter;
  • Identify owners, coaches, players, and media personalities who have worked to either maintain white supremacy in sports or support equity and progress;
  • Recognize the seminal figures in supporting inclusion in sports and how they helped lead progress through participation and other channels, like the media;
  • Critical engagement and analysis of local, state, national, and international sports institutions, including their roots, and how their operation impacts the experience of African American athletes and sports figures;
  • Understand the influence of politics and economics on African American athletes.