{"product_id":"legacy-of-african-american-resistance-and-activism-through-sport","title":"Legacy of African American Resistance and Activism Through Sport","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eThe increased attention to activism in sports within the United States has sparked a nationwide debate on the intersection of sports, race, and politics. This book offers a critical analysis of African Americans' intra- and inter-generational resistance actions where, when, why, and how sport has been utilized to express their humanity, preserve their cultural heritages, empower themselves and their communities, project political views, and pursue freedom, equality, and justice. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                                                            \u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 378 pages\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 22 March 2021\u003cbr\u003e\\n                              \u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Peter Lang Publishing Inc\u003cbr\u003e\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn recent years, there has been a growing focus on activism within the sports industry in the United States. In 2016, Colin Kaepernick's decision to take a knee during the national anthem before National Football League games ignited a nationwide debate on the intersection of sports, race, and politics. Kaepernick's actions were part of a long history of activism in and through sports. Prior accounts of African American activism in and through sports have been limited in several areas. Firstly, they have primarily focused on one type of activism, such as symbolic protests or boycotts. Secondly, there has been a lack of differentiation between activism and borderline activist actions, such as agency, pioneering, and advocacy. Thirdly, there has been a lack of emphasis on hybrid resistance, which combines different strategies and tactics. Fourthly, the focus has been on athletes and teams rather than sportspersons, including media, scholars, business leaders, and community members, as well as institutions such as historically Black colleges and universities, athletic programs, and conferences. Fifthly, the accounts have largely focused on one era of prominent athlete activism in the 1960s, while excluding and marginalizing the importance of women's role in resistance efforts. Sixthly, the accounts have primarily focused on activism at the intercollegiate and professional levels, with less attention given to youth and interscholastic levels. Lastly, there has been a lack of theoretically driven analyses of the resistance efforts exhibited by African American sportspersons, teams, groups, organizations, and institutions. Instead of using the term activism exclusively, the author uses the broader encompassing term of resistance as the focal framework for this text. Resistance is defined as intentional and\/or unintentional actions by individuals, groups, organizations, and\/or institutions that challenge oppressive systems and practices.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe history of African American activism in and through sports is complex and multifaceted. It has been shaped by a range of factors, including the history of racism and discrimination in the United States, the role of sports in promoting social change, and the experiences of African American athletes and sportspersons. One of the earliest examples of African American activism in and through sports can be traced back to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. During this time, African American athletes and sportspersons used their platforms to raise awareness about the injustices faced by their community and to advocate for civil rights. For example, Muhammad Ali, one of the most iconic sports figures of all time, refused to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and his opposition to the war. His activism and refusal to conform to societal norms sparked a nationwide debate on the role of sports in promoting social change.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn addition to the Civil Rights Movement, African American activism in and through sports has been influenced by a range of other factors, including the Black Power Movement, the Women's Rights Movement, and the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement. African American athletes and sportspersons have used their platforms to raise awareness about these issues and to advocate for social change. For example, Billie Jean King, a former tennis player, fought for gender equality in sports and won several landmark battles, including the Battle of the Sexes in 1973, which challenged the gender-based discrimination in tennis.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of African American activism in and through sports. This has led to a range of initiatives and programs aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in sports and at addressing the issues faced by African American athletes and sportspersons. For example, the NBA has launched the NBA Diversity and Inclusion Program, which aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the league and to address the issues faced by African American players and coaches. The NFL has also launched initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including the NFL Diversity and Inclusion Fellowship Program, which provides opportunities for African American players and coaches to develop their skills and advance their careers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these efforts, there are still challenges facing African American activism in and through sports. One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing issue of racism and discrimination in sports. Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, African American athletes and sportspersons continue to face discrimination in terms of pay, opportunities, and treatment. This discrimination can have a negative impact on their mental health, their performance, and their ability to succeed in sports.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother challenge facing African American activism in and through sports is the lack of representation and visibility of African American athletes and sportspersons in the media and in popular culture. This lack of representation can contribute to the marginalization of African American athletes and sportspersons and can make it difficult for them to gain support and recognition for their activism.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite these challenges, there is still hope for African American activism in and through sports. There are a range of individuals and organizations working to promote diversity and inclusion in sports and to address the issues faced by African American athletes and sportspersons. These include activists, coaches, players, and sports organizations, as well as media outlets and popular culture. By working together\u003cbr\u003ecollaboratively and by advocating for change, we can create a more inclusive and equitable sports industry that recognizes the contributions of all athletes and sportspersons and that promotes social change and justice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, African American activism in and through sports has a long and complex history that has been shaped by a range of factors, including the history of racism and discrimination in the United States, the role of sports in promoting social change, and the experiences of African American athletes and sportspersons. While there have been significant strides made in recent years, there are still challenges facing African American activism in and through sports. By working collaboratively, we can create a more inclusive and equitable sports industry that recognizes the contributions of all athletes and sportspersons and that promotes social change and justice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\\n                            \u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 568g\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 152 x 230 x 25 (mm)\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781433184987\\n                            \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdition number\u003c\/strong\u003e: New ed\\n                          \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Joseph N. Cooper","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44101116199162,"sku":"9781433184987","price":33.12,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/ec61911591a3eea587b82ec1e1c8046e.jpg?v=1623390705","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/legacy-of-african-american-resistance-and-activism-through-sport","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}