The Black Athlete: Recent Episodes
Louis Moore and Derrick White
This is a podcast by Louis Moore and Derrick White. As trained historians and leading scholars on sports and race, we discuss the history of the black athlete in a contemporary conversation. Moore is the author of I Fight for a Living: Boxing and the Battle for Black Manhood, and also We Will Win the Day: The Civil Rights Movement, The Black Athlete, and the Quest for Equality. White is the author of The Challenge of Blackness: The Institute of the Black World and Political Activism in the 1970s, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Jake Gaither, Florida A&M, and the History of Black College Football
In this episode, we look at the concept of America 250 and the meaning of the Black Athlete. We look backwards to look forward about the state of the Black athlete today and beyond.
In this episode, we have super guest, Dr. Jermaine Scott, joining us to breakdown the Black representation in the World Cup.
In this episode, we discuss the meaning of the Knicks winning their first championship since 1973. We give some brief historical context and our view on the importance of this championship.
In this episode, we discuss the latest conversation about Black athletes and their role in protesting the latest wave of disenfranchising Black voters. We ask what it would look like if they boycott the SEC?
In this episode, we bring on scholar Robert Bennett III to talk about his new book More Than An Athlete: Jim Brown, Black Capitalism, and the Black Economic Union. During the conversation we discuss the past, present, and future of Black athlete activism.
In this episode, we talk about the Final Four and the controversy surrounding Dawn Staley and Geno Auriema. We follow that with our thoughts on LeBron James and his suggestions that the NBA should move the Memphis franchise to Nashville.
In this episode, we are joined by the award winning author Howard Bryant, who hopped on the pod to talk about his new book, Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America. Bryant gets in depth about research, why he wrote this book, and what we should take away. Stay for the whole time, because at the end we get his take on baseball's Hall of Fame.
In this episode, we discuss all things from the Super Bowl to the NBA All-Star game and what they meant for Black Athletes. Of course, we dished on Bad Bunny. We also talked about the recent Peacock documentary, Field Generals, which is an excellent history about Black Quarterbacks.
In this episode we weigh in on the recent development of prominent athletes speaking out against ICE. We touch on where athlete activism went after 2020 and what might come.
In this episode, we discuss Indiana football and their incredible run to the National Championship. In the process, we dive into the Big 10 and Black Fandom. We end the show with our take on LeBron James dropping his new MLK inspired Nike shoe.
In this episode, we discuss the 2025 NFL Draft and why Shedeur Sanders slipped to the 5th round. We also talk about Black athletes visiting the White House.
In this episode, we discuss the history of the Black athlete and political endorsements. We also talk about why some athletes tend to lean right during the most consequential election of their lifetime.
In this episode, we celebrate the release of The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback
In this episode, we get together to talk about the Paris Olympics. We give our takes about Simone Biles, Noah Lyles, Basketball, the African Diaspora, and many other topics.
In this episode, we're joined for Dr. Carl Suddler to discuss the WNBA, the NBA and the idea of the "face of the league." We delve into the popularity of Caitlin Clark and why Anthony Edwards is the right guy.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Carl Suddler to help us break down the meaning of CJ Stroud's latest post-game interview discussion about the unjust criminal justice system.
In this episode, Dr. Carl Suddler joins us to discuss Bishop Sycamore and also Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffalos. We give our thoughts on the exploitation that was BS High School and the meaning of Coach Prime's victory at Colorado.
In this episode, in the first half we discuss our thoughts on men and women's college basketball and March Madness. We dedicate the last 30 minutes talking JA, the NBA, and the difference between David Stern and Adam Silver.
In this episode, after getting caught up on LeBron's scoring record and the NBA trade deadline, we dive into the Super Bowl that features two starting Black quarterbacks. But before we dish out on Mahomes and Hurts, we talk the legacy of Ken Riley, a black college quarterback that is now in the NFL Hall of Fame as a cornerback.
In this episode, we're joined by Cultural Anthropologist Dr. Tracie Canada to discuss Black bodies, family, and football. During our conversation, she discusses her recent article "Damar Hamlin’s Collapse Highlights the Violence Black Men Experience in Football." The brilliant scholar provides insight into what it's like for Black men playing football and why she wrote her article.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Carl Suddler to haver a spirited conversation about Deion Sanders taking a job at Colorado. We talk about community, HBCUS, expectations, and big time football. As a bonus, we give our takes on Jerry Jones and the 1957 North Little Rock school incident.
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Jermaine Scott, an expert on soccer and the Black diaspora. He breaks down the Black players on the US you should know for this World Cup. Moreover, we discuss the Black diaspora on other teams, including Canada, Belgium, France and teams in sub-Saharan Africa.
It's been a long time, we shouldn't have left you, but We're Back! In this episode we play catchup on some of the things we missed. We discuss Serena and her legacy, Todd Bowles and Black Coaches, Deion and HBCUs, and chop it up about the start of the NBA.
We are back! In this episode, we quickly catch you up on what we've been doing these past 2 months, before we get into discussing the meaning of Marlin Briscoe. After that we chop it up about the day's latest moves with NBA free agency and USC and UCLA moving to the Big 10.
On this episode, we bring on sports reporter and investigative journalist Bradford William Davis to dish on all things Black baseball. As part of our episode celebrating the legacy of Jackie Robinson and the 75th anniversary of him breaking the color barrier in baseball, we discuss the plight of the Black player today, and some key Black players to watch this season.
In this episode, we are back with Dr. Letisha Engracia Cardoso Brown to speak about the recent attacks on Black women athletes. From Venus and Serena, to gymnasts at UCLA, the brilliant Dr. Brown breaks it down.
On this episode, we bring on historian, and leading scholar of HBCU history, Jelani Favors. Favors, the author of the award winning book, Shelter in a Storm: How Black Colleges Generations of Leadership and Activism, discusses the recent bomb threats that a number of campuses have faced and the future of sports at HBCUs.
In this episode, we discuss the latest news in the NFL regarding Brian Flores suing the league for racial discrimination. To help us talk about this subject, we have Dr. Carl Suddler as our guest. We put in context the meaning of the law suit and what Black head coaches have to go through in the NFL.
In this episode, to begin 2022, we start where the NFL left off with their time tested tradition of using Black coaches as clean up men, but firing them before they can finish the job. Specifically, we take a look at Brian Flores and the Miami Dolphins, and David Culley of the Houston Texans.
On this episode, we had to hop on the pod for an emergency show. As one of the leading experts on HBCU football, Derrick had to breakdown what it meant for Deion and Jackson State to sign top recruit Travis Hunter. Is this sustainable? Who knows? But this move has the chance to shake the foundation of the sport.
In this episode, we discuss the latest news in college football as it relates to the Black coach. We talk about what the hiring of Marcus Freeman and Hue Jackson mean, and also all the money these coaches are getting. Most important, we're back!
In this episode, we discuss some recent headlines involving owners, coaches, and players and their questionable decisions. We look at Suns owner Robert Sarver, University of Washington football coach Jimmy Lake, and Aaron Rodgers and how they used public trust to do bad things. To be clear, Aaron Rodgers is the name, so we gave him top billing.
In this episode, we discuss the problems that Urban Meyer and Jon Gruden are having. We talk about their whiteness and privilege and how that has protected them all these years. Gruden's racist trope was not just a one off thing that should be left in the past.
In this episode, we talk about NBA players refusing to get the vaccine and why they might be. We give some historical context to how Black folks and the grapevine, and why, because of the history of medicine and mistrust, some might be hesitant to get vaccinated. In the end, however, that's not enough.
In this episode we preview the 2021 season for the NFL. More than just our hot takes on fantasy football, we dive into the new social justice helmet approval list and ask "what happened to the movement?" We reference Vince Evans several times, so you don't want to miss that. And briefly discuss the career of Tyrod Taylor.
In this episode we discuss the significance of HBCU football on primetime TV. We go over the history of television contracts and how HBCUs were left out, and what being on TV can mean for their programs. We tell you why Grambling and Tennessee State are significant in the history of college football. Derrick breaks down the history of the Orange Blossom Classic. And we also chop it up about Bishop Sycamore and how youth sports are out of control.
In this episode, we have Dr. Kishonna Gray on again to help us breakdown the latest Fortnite venture, as they put a MLK module into their game. We discuss the implications of this e-learning, both pros and cons. But before we get started, we talk Fantasy Football and Covid.
In this episode we get you up to speed on the wee that was (August 4-11), from the ending of the Olympics to the death and legacy of Bobby Bowden. We salute Allyson Felix as an all-time great and we discuss the legacy of Bobby Bowden.
In this episode, we start off season 3 with a discussion of the end of the NBA season, then we give our thoughts on the NFL and the new covid discussion. We end the episode discussing the Olympics and highlighting the importance of a growing mental health conversation.
In this episode, we have guest Dr. Carl Suddler on to discuss his recent Washington Post Op-ed on George Floyd, his murder, and what it meant for athlete activism. In our conversation, we discuss the meaning of the Black athletic body and how it becomes criminalized. We also briefly discuss the impact of Lee Evans.
It has been a good 6 weeks since we recorded. Sorry we left you. In this episode, we discuss the newest information on the Eyes of Texas, Tennessee State's Hiring of Eddie George, and why LeBron James is right to be angry over police brutality, including why he should have left up his tweet.
In this episode, we discuss the recent controversies in college sports surrounding racism, exploitation, and the Black athlete. Specifically, we discuss donors at Texas forcing players to stay on the field for "Eyes of Texas," and Creighton's basketball coach Greg McDermott telling this players to stay on the plantation.
In this episode, we jump into the GOAT debate and discuss whether Tom Brady is really the greatest of all time. But first, we spend 20 minutes discussing the Jaguars signing of Chris Doyle and what it means for BLM in pro football going forward.
In this episode, we touch on the lives of Hank Aaron and John Chaney, discuss the problem the NFL has with hiring Black coaches, and give our predictions for Super Bowl 55.
In this fun episode, we are joined by the brilliant Dr. Kishonna Gray to discuss race and gaming. Along the way Dr. Gray breaks down E-sports as a college sport, racial disparities in gaming, and discussing Black women and gaming. Trust us, you don't want to skip this episode.
In this episode, we take a quick look at a startling recent trend; the firing of Black college coaches. With 3 power 5 Black coaches fired in the last 3 weeks, we discuss what has to happen moving forward to increase the number of Black coaches on the sidelines.
In this episode, we bring on Dr. Jermaine Scott (Black Soc Doc) to discuss the life and legacy of Diego Maradona. We discuss his life on and off the pitch along with class, race, and colorism in Argentina. There's also a Mike Tyson comparison.
In this episode, we sit down and discuss the latest happenings in sports. From the move to add Negro League stats to MLB, to the Russell Westbrook-John Wall trade. Along the way, we talk Covid and sports leagues. If you ever wanted to know what a phone call between us was like, this is it. Like me being shocked in real time that South Carolina lost.
With the NBA draft approaching, we chopped it up with Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood about his battle with the NBA. In a very open interview, Haywood, who is one of the most significant basketball players in history, discussed his upbringing in Mississippi, playing ball in Detroit, his Olympic success, and his fight for the right to play in the NBA. As listeners will learn, it's because of this son of a sharecropper, that young men have an opportunity to earn a living in the NBA without having to wait 4 years in college. This is about the soon to be "Spencer Haywood Rule," one of the most significant rules in sport.
In this episode, we chop it up with Dr. Charles McKinney of Rhodes College about the power and the limits of the vote. The good Doc breaks it down for our listeners and drops some gems about the importance of political education. We also take the opportunity to dish on Ice Cube and Black capitalism.
In this episode, we have guest, Bradford William Davis, a sports columnist for the NY Daily News chopping it up with us about the World Series. Bradford dishes on Mookie Betts going to the Dodgers, MLB and their BLM campaign, and how he got into journalism.
In this episode, we discuss the NBA Bubble and the championship with scholar and big-time Laker fan Dr. Carl Sudler. We talk Lebron's legacy, the Lakers championship, and Black Lives Matter.
In this episode, we have special guest Dr. Frank Guridy talking the life and legacy of John Thompson. From starter jackets to graduation rates, we got you covered.
In this episode, we give our thoughts on the recent strikes/boycotts in the sports world led by the WNBA and NBA. Where do we go from here?
In this episode, we bring on Dr. Letisha Brown to discuss the WNBA and athlete activism.
In this episode, we use the Bubba Wallace noose incident to briefly discuss the history of lynching in America.
In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Vanessa Holden, Assistant Professor of History at Kentucky, to discuss the meaning of Juneteenth and other Emancipation Days commemorated by Black folk. Dr. Holden also discusses her forthcoming book about the women involved in the Nat Turner rebellion.
In this episode, we are joined by historians Carl Suddler and Hasan Kwame Jeffries, to discuss the policing and protest in the wake of the murders of George Floyd and Brianna Taylor. We put this moment in historical context and also discuss how white coaches are mishandling this moment.
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Samantha N. Sheppard about her new book Sporting Blackness: Race, Embodiment, and Critical Muscle Memory on Screen. She also uses her critical eye to breakdown The Last Dance.
In this episode, we give you the background you need on Harvey Gantt so he's not just a footnote in a Michael Jordan conversation. From Clemson, to Soul City, to the Mayor of Charlotte, Gantt was the Michael Jordan on politics.
In this episode, we invite historian Carl Suddler to join us in our conversation on the first 2 episodes of the Last Dance. Suddler also gives us heartwarming words about the passing of friend, mentor, and sports historian Pellom McDaniels III.
On this track, we dish on how we're adjusting to going online, and how college football coaches are fumbling their Covid response.
In this episode, we talk the life and legacy of Kobe Bryant and what he meant to us. We also discuss the black history of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In this episode, we discuss Odell Beckham Jr., and his actions after the NCAA college football national title game. Before that we give some brief history of integration and college football in the late 60s and early 70s. We close with a shoutout to the WNBA.
In this episode, we tackle the hiring and firing of Willie Taggart at Florida State and place his career in the history of black coaches.
In this episode, we take on LeBron, the NBA and China while giving historical context for Black athletes speaking on global politics, from Jesse Owens to LeBron James.
In this episode, we discuss Jemele Hill's argument about black athletes going to HBCUs and also California's Fair Pay Bill. We also give you the history of why HBCUs are so chronically underfunded and implicate the NCAA is this tragedy.
In this episode, we breakdown Jay Z's entry to the NFL through the lens of Black capitalism.
In this "lost tapes" episode, Derrick and I discuss Kaepernick, the history of the activist athletes, and white owners in the NFL. Originally, recorded in April 2018, this was our first attempt at the podcast. We had some mic problems, so we didn't drop it. However, with the recent news of Dolphins owner Stephen M. Ross supporting Trump, despite the fact that Ross has a social justice organization (Rise), we thought it was a great time to drop this gem. We talk Malcolm X, NFL owners, and fox vs. wolves.
In this episode, we discuss the legacy of Oscar Robertson and his impact on NBA free agency and the Black athlete.
In this episode, scholar Dr. Jermaine Scott, an expert on the black athlete and soccer, joins us to break down race and the Women's World Cup.
In this episode, we are joined by special guest Dr. Ornella Nzindukiyimana, (@OraRunsWild) the leading expert on the Black athlete in Canada. Dr. Nzindukiyimana, (@OraRunsWild, discusses the history of the Black athlete in Canada, We the North, and blackness in Canada.
In this episode, we discuss the relationship between WWII, the fight for democracy, and the Black Athlete.
In this episode, we discuss the history of endorsements for Black baseball players and why MLB has struggled to market the Black athlete.
In this episode, we discuss the NFL Draft the the Black quarterback. Along the way, we talk about HBCUs, early black draft picks, and why the combine looks like a modern day slave market.
In this episode, we discuss Kyle Korver, white allies, and white privileged. We give you the context and history that you need while discussing Korver's position, Branch Rickey, Alice Marble, Jack Kemp and others. We also open with our thoughts about Tiger Woods winning the Masters.
In this episode, we discuss Martin Luther King Jr., and the Black athlete. What did he think their roles were in the Civil Rights Movement? How did Black athletes react to his assassination? And if MLK were alive today, how would he react to the sports world?
Leonard Hamilton went from a Negro athlete to a Black coach. What does this mean? In this episode, we explore the making of the Black coach. Through the lens of Florida State's Leonard Hamilton, we discuss how the Black coach became a familiar figure, the stereotypes and barriers they faced, and the battles they won.
In this episode, we explore that latest college admission scandal and the implications of sports and race. We also dive into a conversation about HBCUs, March Madness, and the play-in game.
In this episode, we discuss the World Cup and the global Black Athlete. We pose the questions, what's the history of the black soccer player in the US, its colonial roots in Africa, and what's the state of the game today?
In this episode we tackle the latest information on ex-NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, his collusion case, the NFL, and the uniqueness of the case playing out in real time. How is this different than what past athletes experienced?