There's a fascinating new book by Howard Bryant called "Kings and Pawns" which examines the history of Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson centering on their appearances before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and their respective roles in the fight for civil rights, integration, and protests. The author closes by taking us to a Ted Koppel interview 40 years later with one of Robinson's teammates, Al Campanis, who uttered the infamous line when questioned about the lack of Black leadership in baseball that [Blacks] "may not have some of the necessities to be a field manager or a general manager."
Great list, mostly—definitely think it should’ve included Serena Williams and skewed way too heavy towards baseball + men, but I digress to say: I cannot believe that in this 2026th year of our Lorde, Beyoncé, that y’all let the word “blackball” get through your editing process several times. In this economy? Wild.
Lets hear it for Wilma and Billie Jean. But how could you forget Althea Gibson. Professional in two sports: WTA and LPGA and had to dress in her car
There's a fascinating new book by Howard Bryant called "Kings and Pawns" which examines the history of Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson centering on their appearances before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and their respective roles in the fight for civil rights, integration, and protests. The author closes by taking us to a Ted Koppel interview 40 years later with one of Robinson's teammates, Al Campanis, who uttered the infamous line when questioned about the lack of Black leadership in baseball that [Blacks] "may not have some of the necessities to be a field manager or a general manager."
My first class in computer repair for high school kids was at Paul Robeson High in Chicago's distressed Englewood area on the South Side.
Great list, mostly—definitely think it should’ve included Serena Williams and skewed way too heavy towards baseball + men, but I digress to say: I cannot believe that in this 2026th year of our Lorde, Beyoncé, that y’all let the word “blackball” get through your editing process several times. In this economy? Wild.
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