Legendary Legacies

The concept of sports dates back to 7000 BC and originally determined who was fit for military service. The first Olympic Games, held in Olympia in 776 BC, gradually expanded over time to include events like sprinting, javelin and discus throws, chariot racing, wrestling, and even boxing. Over time, participation has expanded to include women and other historically marginalized groups who were once excluded from competition. Join me as we explore the incredible contributions of Black Americans to sports and the significant struggles they’ve overcome to succeed. 

For many people, sports are an integral part of life, with approximately 8,000 recognized sports worldwide to choose from. With the invention of 24/7 streaming services like ESPN Plus making almost all sports accessible nowadays, an avid viewer can watch every game and keep up with their favorite teams easily. They can also get breaking news in real time about trades, hiring decisions, and much more. 

During slavery, Black Americans weren’t able to join organized leagues and were instead confined to only participate in horse racing and boxing. Oftentimes, their slave owners denied them the ability to profit from their wins despite putting their lives on the line for entertainment purposes. Many exceptional athletes were completely denied a fair opportunity to participate in predominantly white leagues. The sentiment of needing to be 'twice as good to go half as far' has resonated throughout history and continues to hold true even today, long after the 'separate but equal' laws were abolished.

Even now, Black Americans dominate in certain sports over others, partly because of systemic racism limiting their access to equal training, knowledge, and exposure from an early age. For example, while there are many elite Black athletes in the NBA and NFL, far fewer are found in professional swimming or tennis. This isn’t to say that Black Americans lack the ability to excel in those sports, but it’s important to acknowledge that certain sports aren’t as strongly encouraged or promoted to Black youth. 

Stereotypically, Black American athletes have always been reduced to only being good at catching a ball or running fast. Specifically, there is a long-standing history of discrimination in the NFL, where predominantly white owners, coaches, and executives actively blocked Black quarterbacks from leading teams. However, with more Black athletes receiving better training and coaching from a younger age, we’re now seeing an increasing number of young, Black men excelling in the coveted position. 

Back in the day, there was a specific mold that an NFL quarterback had to fit into that has since been broken. The mobility of older legends like Kirk Cousins, Aaron Rodgers, and Payton Manning wasn’t as big of a factor as it is for quarterbacks coming into the leagues nowadays. Athletes like Lamar Jackson, CJ Stroud, Caleb Williams, Michael Penix, Jr., and Jayden Daniels have shattered the box and proven that Black Americans are not only competent quarterbacks, but are elite as well. 

Black American athletes from all sports have been targeted by discrimination. Even professional boxing and fighting matches have historically been rigged to give white competitors advantages over Black fighters. For some highly publicized fights, Black competitors were threatened with physical violence or economic retaliation if they didn’t throw the fight. In some cases, they mysteriously sustained injuries, forcing them to withdraw from the match. Even for those who persevered and fought through, winning often came at the cost of lost earnings.

Serena and Venus Williams both faced increased scrutiny when coming onto the competitive tennis scene in the mid-1990’s. Reporters harped on their thicker than normal frames and made rude comments about their hair and outfit choices. Their father, Richard Williams, made sure to coach them up and to never allow the cruel world to get under their skin. His tough, yet protecting love helped propel them to the heights of immense success. 

Similarly, Simone Biles has been demonized for her muscular frame despite being the most decorated gymnast in history, having earned 11 Olympic medals and won 30 World Championships. Sha’Carri Richardson has also been scrutinized both for her appearance and her mishap that caused her to miss the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Tokyo in 2021. Both athletes continue to prove their naysayers wrong by competing to the best of their abilities during every event. They always say, the best way to prove a hater wrong is to show up and show out! 

Despite all of the setbacks, discrimination, and unfair treatment, Black Americans have continued to rise to be the cream of the crop. While some anti-Black racists may try to use our athletic success to throw shade against us, it’s important to recognize that this is not something to be ashamed of. Of course, a balance between athletics and academics is crucial, but that shouldn't diminish the intense training and dedication required for athletes to compete and excel at the highest level.

Athletes endure long days filled with grueling practices, aching muscles, constant travel during the season, media obligations, and countless other sacrifices all in pursuit of a championship. Don’t let anyone fool you….every athlete, regardless of competition level, skill, age, or sport, dreams of winning a championship. It’s a testament to their hard work and one of the ultimate bragging rights. 

Professional athletes like Serena Williams, LeBron James, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens, Brittney Griner, and so many more have all become legends and icons because of the hard work and determination they put in to become the best of the best. There is nothing anyone can take away from them as they’ve continued pushing past barriers and making room for younger Black Americans to take their rightful place at the table. Their legacies are legendary and their impact continues to inspire future generations. 

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Signed, 

Jessica Marie