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.
Bob Schron is an Associated Press sportswriter with decades of experience and solid links to the national sports media and NBA and NFL players and coaches. He is the coauthor of M.L. Carr's autobiography, Don't Be Denied, The Bird Era, and Tom Brady- Sudden Glory. He is also recipient of the President's award for sportswriting from the Massachusetts Basketball Coaches Association.
When NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick knelt in protest during the
national anthem, he set off a firestorm of yays and nays that still
burns. He also reminded us of the long and honorable tradition of
athlete-activists in the African American community, captured here
by veteran sports writer Schron in a crisp, impassioned narrative
that moves from the quiet heroism of Jesse Owens and Joe Louis
through Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and Olympic black power
salutes to the Williams Sisters. Not just for sports fans; this is
important history.
—Library Journal
“The history of black athletes using their prominence to take
principled stands is long and admirable. In Taking a
Knee, Taking a Stand, Bob Schron provides a thoughtful and
comprehensive look at that history.” Bob Costas,
Emmy-award-winning broadcaster
“At a time when African Americans in sports have been leaders in
the quest for a more just and equitable nation, Bob Schron has
written a fluent and knowledgeable history of their political
activism over nearly a century. This book is a valuable addition to
the smart sports fan’s bookshelf.”
Samuel G. Freedman
Professor, Columbia University Graduate School of
Journalism
Author of Breaking the Line: The Season in Black College
Football
That Transformed the Sport and Changed the Course of Civil
Rights.
“Taking a Knee, Taking a Stand is not just a book. It’s a
history lesson documenting the courageous path athletes from
yesteryear to today have traveled in the name of social justice and
racial equality. For more than a century, sports and politics have
intersected, helping to shape this great country of ours. From
Jesse Owens to Muhammad Ali to Colin Kaepernick and LeBron James,
athletes have put their reputations and in some cases lives on the
line to make a difference. Bob Schron does an excellent job
detailing the impact of those social justice warriors, and why it’s
still just as important today for athletes to take a stand, instead
of ‘just shutting up and dribbling’.”
Kyle Draper, NBC Sports
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