I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Shaun M. Anderson shares with readers the history behind black athletes using their status to incite social change and how the modern era of black athletes are able to use social media and their ever-growing popularity to bring attention and force change in a broader, much more important light in the book, “The Black Athlete Revolt: The Sport Justice Movement in the Age of #BlackLivesMatter. 

The Synopsis

A timely and significant examination of how Black athletes have used their influence to create meaningful change and reform for Black Americans.

In the age of social media, athletes have a powerful influence like never before. Many Black athletes have used that power in positive ways, galvanizing their platforms to create impactful educational opportunities, donate to Black social causes, and raise political awareness on important issues.

In The Black Athlete Revolt: The Sport Justice Movement in the Age of #BlackLivesMatter, Shaun M. Anderson examines the Black athlete’s rise in advocating for social justice and how today’s athletes have moved beyond protesting to create substantial change for Black Americans. Anderson reflects on the history and evolution of Black athlete activism, breaking down its importance during the civil rights movement, the commodification of athletes during the 1990s, and how twenty-first century athletes have utilized their wealth and influence to create lasting societal change in the age of #BlackLivesMatter.

With fascinating portraits of notable individuals in the history of Black activism, as well as insights from athletes and allies who discuss the future of athlete activism, The Black Athlete Revolt reveals the ever-evolving and crucial role of Black athletes beyond the world of sports.

The Review

This was such a powerful and insightful read. The author really brought the reader a moving message of hope and standing for one’s beliefs in the face of oppression, and how those who gained fame and fortune used their power to bring attention to these important issues. The way the author was able to bring a balance of historical, moral, and philosophical discussion into the narrative helped elevate the message of hope that these athletes helped inspire not only in today’s world but throughout the Black community’s history of athleticism and involvement in the world of sports. 

What really moved me was the history of black athletes using their position as an athlete to speak up for injustice, and the way the author used sports to highlight the societal and moral battles that the Black community as a whole have had to fight against for so long, even before the Civil Rights Movement. The examination of athletes from all different fields of sport, the defining moments throughout the past century in particular, and the ways in which modern technology and growing social movements like the Black Lives Matter movement have catapulted black athletes and their activism to new heights were so powerful and moving to read about and inspire so many to take up the cause themselves. 

The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtful, and hopeful in its approach, author Shaun M. Anderson’s “The Black Athlete Revolt” is a must-read nonfiction book on athletics, activism, and the need for equality and justice for all people. The inequality, police brutality, and hatred that the Black community has been forced to endure for so long is something I personally will never be able to fully understand, but I can help elevate strong and moving voices such as this incredible author to showcase the wealth of importance that these issues have, and the way in which he highlighted through meticulous research and skill the many athletes who used their position to inspire change and growth in the world made this a truly compelling book. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Dr. Shaun M. Anderson is an internationally recognized scholar, proud HBCU graduate, and award winning professor at Loyola Marymount University. His work focuses on the intersections of sport, politics, race, and society. He has been featured in several media outlets including ESPN, HuffPost, and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He is also the founder and CEO of CSR Global Consulting, LLC, a consultancy that aides sport organizations in building social responsibility initiatives.

https://www.shaunmarqanderson.com/

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