Essay On Black Athletes In The Civil Rights Movement

Athletes of the Civil Rights Movement Have you ever wondered what it was like for black athletes in the 1960s? If so, then you’ll learn about them today! During this time Lyndon B. Johnson was the president of the United States of America. He was the first president to let African Americans get positions on the Supreme Court. Also during this time, Congress passed The Civil Rights Movement. It is known to be the biggest and most influential movement in U.S. history. The movement happened from 1954-1968. Believe it or not, athletes also care about civil rights. So today we will be talking about athletes who were a part of the Civil Rights Movement: Bill Russel, Muhammad Ali, and Jesse Owens. First, we will learn about Bill Russell and how he

This is just a little bit of his life, and how he blocked out the hate! Let's move onto our next person, shall we? The next person is activist and boxer, Muhammad Ali. He received a freedom medal for bringing people together and championing the Civil Rights Movement. Ali also advocated for new laws that protect children. He formed a promotional corporation called “Main Bout, Inc.'', which would earn the majority of revenues from his title defenses. For the first time, this allowed African Americans to enjoy the lion’s share of profits from the World Heavyweight Championship, the most lucrative prize in sports (Ezra). That just proves he is a real-life superhero. Lastly, we have Jesse Owens, an Olympic legend in track and field. Owens proved the world wrong by winning four gold Olympic medals. He is ranked the sixth best athlete in the U.S. of his century. In 1968, when Tommie Smith and John Carlos famously gave a Black Power salute while receiving their medals at the Summer Games in Mexico City for the 200-meter race, Owens spoke against them. “The Black Fist is a meaningless symbol.When you open it, you have nothing but fingers — weak, empty