African American Sports

The American boxing champ and vocal civil rights activist Muhammad Ali is the 27th hero in the New York Times best-selling picture book biography series for ages 5 to 8. Muhammad Ali was the leading heavyweight boxer of the 20th century and a charismatic, beloved public figure. His objection to the military draft during the Vietnam War made him an icon for a generation, and his impact in sports and the Civil Rights movement is still felt today.

In Frontline Bodies, Nicolas Martin-Breteau argues that sports are not—and have never been—purely about entertainment for Black Americans. Instead, beginning in the 1890s during Reconstruction, Black Americans proactively used athletics as a tactic to fight racial oppression. Martin-Breteau considers the work of Edwin B. Henderson, a prominent Black physical educator, civil rights activist, and historian of Black sports.

Did you know that Muhammad Ali was so terrified of flying on planes that he would bring a parachute? Or that he won the Presidential Medal of Freedom? Bet you didn’t know that he had an official sweat-taster to determine how salty his sweat was after each match! Siblings Paige and Turner do - and they’ve collected some of the most unusual and surprising facts about him, from his childhood and the spark of his boxing career through his time as heavyweight champion of the world.

On August 14, 2016, NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick began a protest when he refused to stand for the national anthem. He wanted to make a statement about the oppression of people of color in the United States after he had spent a summer speaking out against police brutality. After playing professional football for six seasons, that would become Colin Kaepernick's last season in the NFL, but he would go on to become one of the most prominent activists of today.

Simone Biles was raised by her grandparents and had to overcome many hardships as a child. After trying gymnastics for the first time on a field trip from elementary school, Simone continued with the sport, working hard and reaching professional levels. She persisted in the field and went on to become the most decorated US gymnast of all time. Through it all, she inspired kids everywhere to follow their dreams.

Justin Allen and Kesha Jones are the perfect couple until he gets drafted to the NBA and becomes unfaithful. With the pressure from his new found popularity, he forgets what matters most to him. Kesha. To keep him, she begins to compromise what she believes and the promises that were made to God. Eventually Kesha gets fed up and decides to decline a life of fame and fortune with Justin and chooses a life of faith and holiness instead. Snow Series: The Player The Snow's Meltdown Don't Rescue Me Seed of Discord Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places Temptation

Seen around the world, John Carlos and Tommie Smith’s Black Power salute on the 1968 Olympic podium sparked controversy and career fallout. Yet their show of defiance remains one of the most iconic images of Olympic history and the Black Power movement. Here is the remarkable story of one of the men behind the salute, lifelong activist, John Carlos.

In the 1930s, Monroe, Louisiana, was a town of 26,000 in the northeastern corner of the state, an area described by the

New Orleans Item as the "lynch law center of Louisiana." Yet for a few years in the early 1930s, this unlikely spot was home to the Monarchs, a national-caliber Negro League baseball team. Crowds of Black and White fans eagerly filled their segregated grandstand seats to see the players who would become the only World Series team Louisiana would ever generate, and the first from the American South.

A history of the activism and achievement of African American athletes from Jesse Owens to Serena Williams to Colin Kaepernick, who advanced the cause of social justice through their outspokenness, commitment, and integrity. Muhammad Ali refused to fight in a war he believed was immoral. Wilma Rudolph retired from track and field to campaign for civil rights. Taking a Knee, Taking a Stand tells their stories and the stories of other prominent African American male and female athletes who often risked their careers to fight racial discrimination and promote social justice.

Break Point has descriptive copy which is not yet available from the Publisher.

David Falkner, noted author of five previous books about baseball, deftly portrays the rise to stardom of Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play on a major-league team in baseball’s modern era. As Falkner traces the development of Robinson’s natural skill and tireless dedication, he focuses on the strengths that earned Robinson a unique place on the diamond and in the struggle for civil rights. This compelling biography illuminates a critical intersection of sports and cultural history.

The first week of school becomes a “Week of Hell” when forced busing divides a small southern town during the integration of its school system. The actions of a third-string football player do more than all of the politicians and educators put together to ease the pain of coming together.

It is crazy how hard it is to give up a good thing. I have been dating NFL Quarterback Tanner Wilson for years now, but we have never been "official". Every time I try to break it up, he just throws money at me. Or a new car. Or a new apartment. And like a fool, I always go back to being one of his "bitches". The benefits are just too damn good. But this time it is going to be different. This time I have a trick up my sleeve and that handsome football star is not going to know what has hit him.

Donte wishes he were invisible. As one of the few Black boys at his school, he feels as if he is constantly swimming in whiteness. Most of the students don't look like him. They don't like him either. Dubbed the 'Black Brother', Donte's teachers and classmates make it clear they wish he were more like his lighter skinned brother, Dre. When an incident with a white student leads to Donte's arrest and suspension, he's sure the only way to get even is to beat the student at the school's most valued game: fencing.

I came to win by any means necessary. I’m in San Diego for my team’s championship game. The entire season has brought us to this pivotal moment where our future careers are on the line. I must maintain focus, but my carefully orchestrated plans go awry when Yvette Durel shows up unannounced. I’ve been in love with my best friend since high school, and the friend zone has become a prison. I. Want. Out. Despite this, old fears and secrets threaten to ruin the relationship that is within my grasp. The stakes are high on and off the field, but I not only play hard but also for keeps. I am...

In ROMANCE: QUICKIES (Nicole's Encounter - 12), Nicole is hot off an unforgettable encounter with a cocky rival attorney, which kicks her determination into high gear. She’s going to bed more men than her friends, damn it, come hell or high water! When an interesting client arrives at her office for a divorce consultation, she sets her sights on him with renewed vigor. He doesn’t know what hits him...or does he? Nicole’s neatly organized office will never be the same again... Seven friends living in New York City. One unusual competition. Who can have the most intimate encounters in a...

For the love of the game meant something different to Beau Kallahan. He never wanted to stop playing football, never wanted to be off the field of battle. But what happens when that battle leaves you on the sidelines broken and battered. Can you recover? Can you come back? Do you want to especially when the woman who fought for you, when you couldn't fight for yourself, reenters your life and keeps up the fight and shows you a new way to love and battle

In The World’s Fastest Man, years in the writing, investigative journalist Michael Kranish reveals new information about Major Taylor based on a rare interview with his daughter and other never-before-uncovered details from Taylor’s life. Kranish shows how Taylor indeed became a world champion, travelled the world, was the toast of Paris, and was one of the most chronicled black men of his day.

Since little league, Jalen Mitchell had only three goals, play professional baseball, win a World Series, and be inducted into the hall of fame. After four years in the pros, he was accomplishing that lofty dream by becoming rookie pitcher of the year and winning a World Series. It wasn’t until his fifth year in the league, his game started slipping. As his statistics worsened, his manager decided to demote Jalen to the AAA affiliate team to regain his confidence. The move to the different league doesn’t work, as Jalen remains in a downward spiral. Depressed, Jalen thought his dream was...

Jackie Robinson became the first black Major League baseball player of the modern era when he stepped onto the field as a Brooklyn Dodger in 1947. In simple, engaging language, this audiobook follows Jackie from childhood through his career as an MVP-award winning baseball player and a hero of the civil rights movement. This book is perfect for Black History Month and the start of spring training!