The Black Rights Movement's Effect On The Black Community

The Black rights movement affected the black community in a positive way. It opened eyes to create equality for African Americans. The people that chose to stand up for the causes that were important to them had to be strong willed individuals. This holds true for the sports world as well. Equality can only come when prejudice and stereotypical barriers are broken down. For example, when Blacks entered professional leagues, it demonstrated that a Black athlete can do the same things as a White person. When professional sports started in America, most leagues were Whites only. Once a Black man entered into any professional league, it broke a barrier which allowed for more people of any race to participate in professional sports as well

While Robinson was making his mark on the MLB, Kenny Washington was making his impact on the NFL. Kenny Washington was the first African American to play in the National Football League (The Washington Post). Washington went to college at UCLA and led the league in total yards as a running back (The Washington Post). Although he led the NCAA in total yards, he still did not get drafted because teams were prejudice against black people (The Washington Post). Later, in 1946, Washington was signed to the Los Angeles Rams. This was a big step for the Black community. Washington joined Lloyd as a pioneer in the sports world. By overcoming this hurdle, Washington showed people that if sports could be integrated then the outside world should be integrated as well. Kenny Washington opened the door to other black athletes entering the NFL. After Kenny Washington’s career, thousands of other black athletes were able to follow in his

At the time, there were separate African American leagues but integration was nonexistent and not permitted. This rule was unfair and immoral. Baseball for example, was segregated for many years. There were two different leagues, the Major League and the Negro League. Jackie Robinson built up his own courage to join the major leagues which was unheard of. Robinson broke the “color barrier” in 1947 becoming the first Black man to play in the MLB (Jackie Robinson Biography). This was a huge step to progress Black rights in America. Robinson uplifted the movement to a new level when he won Rookie of the Year in 1947 and MVP in 1949 (Jackie Robinson Biography). This proved that a black man can be just as good if not better than a White player. Robinson is seen as a hero thanks to his courage, bravery and perseverance. The baseball field is not the only place Robinson has made an impact. He also served in the army before playing baseball (Jackie Robinson Biography). Although he was not the first Black man to serve, it exemplified his willingness to fight for his country, despite being treated unfairly as a Black man in a White society. These prejudices followed him throughout his baseball career. He often received death threats because he was playing with the Brooklyn Dodgers which was previously an all White team. Robinson blocked out all the haters and used this as fuel. He knew