When thinking about racial equality in sports, one immediately conjures up thoughts of young Jackie Robinson stepping between the lines to become the first African-American athlete in Major League Baseball in 1947.
But what about the other major sports? While we hear so much about Robinson suiting up for the Brooklyn Dodgers, less is known about the other three major sports. While Fritz Pollard is credited for being the first African-American professional football player in 1920, the NHL’s Willie O’Ree did not break the color barrier until 1958 as a member of the Boston Bruins.
Perhaps the most diverse league in professional sports today, the NBA, wasn’t always known for being a game for all ethnicities. As a tenet of proof, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, who had spent many years toiling for the independent Harlem Globetrotters, did not step foot on an NBA court to become its first African-American player until signing a contract with the New York Knicks in 1950. Without Clifton, there would be no Michael Jordan or Lebron James to cheer for today.
Sweetwater,Clifton’s inspirational story of overcoming a lifetime of barriers and racial discrimination is the subject of a new movie streaming on the
Angel Studios app.
I recently sat down with Osborne to discuss why Clifton should be seen as a pioneer for racial equality in sports, valuable lessons that can be learned from his life and witness, and how his life can be seen as hope for tomorrow as well as today.
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The Crossmap Podcast features inspiring heart-to-heart conversations with Christian newsmakers of the day including authors, experts, pastors, and entertainers on topics that are good for the entire family while honoring your faith-based values.
Join Crossmap managing editor Chris Carpenter as he engages guests in thought-provoking but light-hearted banter on subjects that shape and influence our culture through the lens of faith. Gain valuable insight on how to live a meaningful Christian life and experience laughs along the way too!
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