The athletic world has seen many inspiring Black athletes throughout history. These individuals have changed both the world of sports and society for the better. They have been scrutinized, attacked because of their race and forced to navigate obstacles unfamiliar to other athletes. Yet they persevered to inspire change for the next generation of athletes. Here is a list of some of the most game-changing Black athletes.

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson is one of the most influential Black athletes in all of professional sports. In 1947, he broke the color barrier in major league baseball. While in the league, Robinson faced a great deal of racism from athletes, fans and even fellow teammates, yet Robinson persisted and had quite a career including a Rookie of the Year trophy and the National League’s Most Valuable Player award. His legacy both on and off the field led the MLB to retire his jersey number across the entire league.

Jesse Owens

Owens had one of the most outstanding track and field careers of all time and to many, he is viewed as the track and field goat. In the 1936 Olympic games in Berlin, he won four gold medals. In an Olympics that Hitler intended to demonstrate Aryan superiority, Owens came in and showed the world otherwise.

Charlie Sifford

Viewed as the Jackie Robinson of Golf, Charlie Sifford became the first black golfer in the PGA. Being a Black athlete in a previously Whites-only sport did not sit well for many people and similarly to many other Black athletes, he received death threats. However, Sifford continued and was able to have a successful career full of many accomplishments.

Bill Russell

As a player, Bill Russell was one of the most successful athletes in all of sports history, regardless of race. He holds the NBA record for most championships at 11 in just 13 years. Because of this incredible career, he became the first Black coach in NBA history, while still playing on the team. As a player-coach, he won two rings, making him the first Black coach to win a championship.

Gabby Douglas

The 2012 Olympics saw the rise of a superstar in the world of gymnastics: Gabby Douglas. Gabby led the American gymnastics team to a successful group championship run while dominating in her own events. She became the first Black gymnast to ever win an individual all-around championship.

Jacob Roney is a junior

business administration

major from Sturgeon, Miss.

Game Changers: Black Pioneers in Sports

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