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Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson became the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1908-1915. He was said to be a heavy influence on boxing superstar Muhammad Ali. Many hated the fact that he had won,but nobody could challenge the ruling and everybody had to accept it. -
Fritz Pollard
Fritz Pollard became the first NFL African-American football coach when he took the job in 1921 to coach the Akron (Ohio). Pollard along with Bobby Marshall were the first two African American players in the NFL in 1920. Walter Camp ranked Pollard as "one of the greatest runners these eyes have ever seen." -
Jackie Robinson
The first African-American to join Major League Baseball (1947) and first to be elected to the baseball Hall of Fame, Jackie Robinson is famous for breaking the color barrier. He was instrumental in bringing an end to racial segregation in professional baseball. The example of his character and unquestionable talent challenged the traditional basis of segregation. -
Charles Cooper
Charles Cooper was the first African American to be signed to an NBA Team. In April of 1950 Cooper was signed to the New York Kickerbockers. Charles went to West Virginia State and was 6'5 with great passing and defense. The Center was widely noticed because of his still and that elevated him to new level. -
Willie Mays
The "Say Hey Kid", Willie Mays, joined the MLB in 1951. He was best known for his all-around athleticism. In his illustrious career, he swatted 660 home runs and retired with a .302 batting average. Most baseball fans and historians agree that Mays was the greatest all-around baseball player to have played in the Major Leagues.Mays won two MVP awards and tied Stan Musial's record with 24 appearances in the All-Star Game. -
Willie Thrower
Thrower was a part of the 1952 Michigan State Spartans who won the national championship. Willie Thrower became the NFL's first African-American quarterback when he received a contract from the Chicago Bears as a back-up quarterback. In 1953, he finally saw playing time when he came in for Bears quarterback George Blanda. -
Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron debuted in 1954 and played 23 years for Major League Baseball. He was selected to play in 24 All-Star games. He also surpassed Babe Ruth by belting a record-setting 755 home runs. He inspired many African American baseball players and attracted a different fan base. -
Bill Russell First African American Coach
One of the greatest players before Michael Jordan, Bill Russell led the Boston Celtics to 11 NBA championships. After playing, Russell became the first African-American to coach an NBA team when he took the helm of the Celtics in 1967.With great speculation Bill lead the celtics to a better season than many expected. Talk about someone who climbed through the ranks. -
Vonetta Flowers
Flowers was a star sprinter and long jumper at the University of Alabama, and wanted to make the U.S. Summer Olympic Team. After a failed attempt to make the Summer Olympic Games as a sprinter, Flowers became interested in women's bobsledding. In 2002 at the Salt Lake Games, Flowers and teammate won the gold medal in the women's bobsledding event. -
Muhammad Ali
NO SPECIFIC DATE "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee" was boxer Muhammad Ali's mantra. His career spanned four decades as he tallied 57 wins and 39 knockouts in 62 fights.Nicknamed "The Greatest," Ali was involved in several historic boxing matches. Notable among these were one with rival Joe Frazier, which are considered among the greatest in boxing history -
VIDEO LINK
Jackie Robinson Special. -
Video Link Berlin Olympics: African American
Eighteen Black athletes represented the United States in the 1936 Olympics http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=56wEF2E_1SU
