Modern Sport and the African American Experience

Modern Sport and the African American Experience is a collection of essays from some of America’s most brilliant and vibrant sport sociologists and race scholars. This text highlights more of the experiences of African Americans in modern sport than any of its kind. Among its diverse topics, this book examines predictions about African American sports performance and participation in the 21st century, discusses the role of sport in African American culture, and gives a candid look at the experiences of African American athletes attending America’s predominantly white colleges and universities. It also discusses the experiences of African American women in these environments, a largely ignored topic. A book of this type would not be complete without also examining racism, discrimination, and the conflict black athletes and coaches encounter with the white establishment. This volume is a representation of Dr. Gary Sailes’ well-known, much-respected scholarship and work as a consultant in American commercial sports.

Dr. Gary Sailes is an award-winning associate professor in the Department of Kinesiology and adjunct professor in the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies at Indiana University. A Sport Sociologist, Dr. Sailes has authored six books, over 100 articles, and has appeared on national and international television including BBC, CBC, ESPN, NBC, CSPAN, Tennis Channel, and various cable networks. His work on race, sport, and college athletics has led to national and international speaking invitations, two Congressional hearings on Capitol Hill, and the International Olympic Congress in Tokyo. Dr. Sailes is a player development consultant to college and professional athletes with clients in the NCAA, NBA, NFL, MLB, and professional golf and tennis.