The Transformative Power of Sports In The American Civil Rights Movement

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The Transformative Power of Sports In the American Civil Rights Movement Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, but so Cassius Clay, Jackie Robinson, and Bill Russell. Long before King’s famous “I Had a Dream” speech or Rosa Parks famous stand came something much simpler: sports. Sports have always had the ability to open people’s eyes in a way that is more impactful than words or actions. The way that athletics can shape a persons mind, or open their eyes to something beyond what they already believe, is incredible. They can get everyone to root for a common purpose, a common goal. And for some, that was freedom. The integration of professional and collegiate athletics not only changed sports history, but helped shape American history. Cassius Marcellus Clay was born in Louisville, Kentucky on January 17, 1942, during a time when Louisville was severely segregated. African-Americans were often considered the ‘servant’ class. The highest goal that many parents could realistically set for their children was clergymen or public school teacher. Cassius Clay’s father was a billboard painter and his mother worked cleaning houses. Being an African-American in poverty wasn’t easy; in fact, Clay was mistreated from birth. His mother recalls a specific incident in a convenience store when he was very young. “…He wanted a drink of water and they wouldn’t give him one because of his color. That really affected him.” Clay was eventually led into boxing as a way to deal with stress after having his bike stolen at the age of twelve. It was in the ring he would leave his legacy as an athlete, but out in the real world was where his fighting legacy would really leave a lasting impact. As an advocate for all people, Muhammad Ali was able to challeng... ... middle of paper ... ...y. Works Cited Fitzpatrick, Frank. "Texas Western's 1966 Title Left Lasting Legacy." Espn.com. Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, 19 Feb. 2003. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. Hauser, Thomas. "The Importance of Muhammad Ali." The Glider Lehrman Institute of American History, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. Jackson, Scoop. "Black Athletes: Beyond the Field." Espn.com. Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, 24 Feb. 2010. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. Merlino, Doug. "Bill Russel, Civil Rights Hero and Inventor of Airborne Basketball.” Bleacherreport.com. Bleacher Report, 29 Apr. 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. Naison, Mark. "Why Sports History Is American History." The Glider Lehrman Institute of Amercan History, n.d. Web. 31 Oct. 2013. Rubinstein, D, William. "Jackie Robinson and the Integration of Major League Baseball." History Today. 01 Sep. 2003: 20. eLibrary. Web. 01 Nov. 2013.

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