Activism in Sports and Culture

This course explores the intersection of sports and activism in American culture. It delves into how athletes and institutions handle issues of race, economic hardship, and political ties and how these actions have shaped our society. The course aims to understand why some individuals want sports to be free from controversy and opinions while others believe athletes should use their platform to speak out against injustice. NBA All-Star Chris Webber, alongside iconic activists Jemele Hill and John Carlos, will lead discussions on the meanings and consequences of their activism. Students will have the opportunity to analyze primary source documents and academic work on acts of protest in sports. By the end of the course, participants will have a greater understanding of historic and current protest movements in sports and will be able to develop new perspectives on activism in the world of sports.