Glossary
Athlete Activism
The use of an athlete's public platform and influence to advocate for social, political, or human rights causes.
Example:
From Jesse Owens to LeBron James, athlete activism has consistently played a role in challenging injustice and promoting change.
Black Power Salute
A symbolic gesture performed by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, raising gloved fists to protest racial injustice and advocate for Black liberation.
Example:
The iconic Black Power Salute at the Mexico City Olympics remains a powerful image of athlete protest and solidarity with the Civil Rights Movement.
Breaking Barriers
The act of overcoming significant racial or social obstacles to achieve inclusion or success in a previously exclusive field, often in sports.
Example:
Jackie Robinson's integration of MLB was a monumental act of breaking barriers that reshaped American sports and society.
Colin Kaepernick
A former NFL quarterback who initiated kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest police brutality and racial injustice, sparking a nationwide movement.
Example:
Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the anthem ignited a crucial conversation about systemic racism and athlete responsibility in social justice.
Colored Hockey League
An all-Black ice hockey league founded in Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1895, providing opportunities for Black athletes during a period of widespread segregation.
Example:
The Colored Hockey League in Canada demonstrated that Black athletes excelled in winter sports, creating their own competitive spaces when excluded from mainstream leagues.
Jackie Robinson
An iconic baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947, integrating the sport and becoming a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement.
Example:
Jackie Robinson's courage in facing immense prejudice opened doors for countless African American athletes in professional sports.
Jesse Owens
An African American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, directly challenging Nazi ideology of Aryan supremacy.
Example:
Jesse Owens's incredible performance at the 1936 Olympics served as a powerful rebuke to Hitler's racist propaganda on the world stage.
John Carlos
An American track and field athlete who, alongside Tommie Smith, participated in the Black Power salute at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics to protest racial injustice.
Example:
John Carlos stood in solidarity with Tommie Smith, sacrificing his athletic career to highlight the urgent need for civil rights in America.
Muhammad Ali
A legendary heavyweight boxer and outspoken activist who famously refused military induction during the Vietnam War, citing religious beliefs and opposition to racial injustice.
Example:
Muhammad Ali's principled stand against the Vietnam War, despite facing severe professional consequences, cemented his legacy as a powerful voice for justice.
NFL Kneeling Protest
A movement initiated by Colin Kaepernick in 2016 where NFL players knelt during the national anthem to protest police brutality and racial inequality.
Example:
The NFL Kneeling Protest brought significant attention to issues of racial injustice, sparking widespread debate about patriotism and freedom of expression.
Negro Leagues
Professional baseball leagues established for African American players during the era of racial segregation in the United States.
Example:
Many legendary players, like Satchel Paige, honed their skills and showcased their talent in the Negro Leagues before MLB integration.
Oliver Lewis
An African American jockey who achieved prominence in the late 19th century, notably winning the first Kentucky Derby in 1875.
Example:
Before the widespread exclusion of Black jockeys, Oliver Lewis demonstrated exceptional skill, paving the way for others in early American horse racing.
Segregation in Sports
The practice of separating athletes and teams based on race, which historically limited opportunities for African Americans in professional and amateur sports.
Example:
The pervasive segregation in sports led to the creation of alternative leagues, like the Negro Leagues, where Black athletes could compete.
Tommie Smith
An American track and field athlete known for his iconic Black Power salute alongside John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics.
Example:
When Tommie Smith raised his gloved fist on the Olympic podium, he sent a clear message of protest against racial inequality to a global audience.
Vietnam War Protest (Muhammad Ali's)
Muhammad Ali's refusal to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, based on his religious beliefs and opposition to the war and racial injustice.
Example:
Muhammad Ali's Vietnam War Protest was a landmark moment, demonstrating how athletes could use their fame to challenge government policy and societal norms.
William "Billy" Walker
A notable African American jockey who won the Kentucky Derby in 1877, contributing to the early dominance of Black riders in the sport.
Example:
William "Billy" Walker's victory in the Kentucky Derby highlighted the significant presence and talent of Black jockeys in the sport's formative years.