African-American Heroes In Sports & Society

African-American heroes of our past who sacrificed their lives and careers for the benefit of those to come. Athletes such as Jackie Robinson, Curt Flood, Rube Foster, Althea Gibson, Jack Johnson, Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Kenny Washington.

African-American Heroes: Birmingham Black Barons and Formation of Negro Leagues

August 10, 2020 Mark Everett Kelly

The Black Barons roster consisted of players from the industrial leagues of Alabama. They played their home games at Rickwood Field, which still stands and is the oldest professional ballpark in the United States.

African-American Heroes: The Real Story of Jackie Robinson’s Integration into Organized Baseball — Part 1

July 29, 2020 Mark Everett Kelly

Despite being the first African-American to break into the minor leagues, fans treated Robinson with respect in Montreal. The city grew to love him, and he, in return, it. However, it was a different story when he went on the road.

African-American Heroes: The Real Story of Jackie Robinson’s Integration into Organized Baseball — Part 3

July 29, 2020 Mark Everett Kelly

On April 9, 1947, before Brooklyn announced Robinson as joining the big-league roster Happy Chandler announced a one-year suspension of Durocher. Chandler cited Durocher's string of moral shortcomings: gambling debts, associations with known gamblers and nightlife figures, and a scandalous marriage with charges of adultery, bigamy, and contempt of court.