Black+history

The Role of Black Athletes

By TeonaP
  • 1800s

    1800s
    Emergence of black athletes in sports like, boxing, with figures like George Dixon.
  • 1904

    1904
    George Poage becomes the first African American to comepete in the Olympics, winning two bronze metals
  • 1920s

    1920s
    The Negro leagues were established, providing platforms for black baseball players.
  • 1936

    1936
    Jesse Owen’s defies Nazi ideology by winning four gold medals at the Berlin Olympics
  • 1947

    1947
    Jackie Robinson breaks color barrier in Major League baseball.
  • 1950s

    1950s
    Althea Gibson becomes the first black athlete to win a Grand Slam Tennis title.
  • 1960s

    1960s
    Muhammad Ali rises as a boxing legend and social activist.
  • 1968

    1968
    Tommie Smith and John Carlos make their iconic Black Power salute at the Olympics.
  • 1980s

    1980s
    Michael Jordan transforms basketball into a global phenomenon.
  • 1990s

    1990s
    Tiger Woods dominates golf, breaking racial stereotypes in the sport.
  • 2000s

    2000s
    Serena Williams and Venus Williams redefine women’s tennis with their dominance.
  • 2016

    2016
    Colin Kaepernick protests racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.
  • 2020

    2020
    Athletes like LeBron James advocate for social justice and equality.
  • 2021

    2021
    Simone Biles prioritizes mental health, inspiring athletes worldwide.
  • Present

    Present
    Black athletes continue to excel and lead conversations on diversity and inclusion.