It’s black history month, and what better way to honor the many African-Americans who have paved the way in sports than to highlight their accomplishments!
1. Jackie Robinson: Jackie Robinson was the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball. On April 15, 1947, Robinson made his professional debut playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. In that same year, he was titled as Rookie of the Year, and two years into the league he won the National League MVP Award. Robinson used his platform to speak on racial discrimination and injustice.
2. Charlie Sifford: Of course we all know about Tiger Woods, but did you know about Charlie Sifford? Sifford was the first African-American golfer in the PGA. He entered in 1961 after hard work and determination. In total, Sifford competed in 422 tournaments and secured 22 professional wins.
3. Althea Gibson: Before Serena and Venus Williams, there was Althea Gibson, who was the first black athlete to compete in International Tennis. In 1956, Gibson won the Grand Slam title and the following year won Wimbledon. In total, Gibson won 11 Grand Slams, which included six singles titles.
4. Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall: Football is arguably the most popular sport in American culture, and it’s blended with so many ethnicities and backgrounds. However, we must take note of the first African-American football players to play in the NFL. Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall entered the NFL in 1920. Marshall played tight end, and Pollard juggled running back and eventually head coach – another moment in history.
5. Wilma Rudolph: A wonderful track star, Wilma Rudolph became the first American woman to win three gold medals. Back in the ’30s and ’40s, she must’ve had a lot of people doubting her; she was diagnosed with polio as a child, but Rudolph didn’t let that stop her. She became the fastest woman of her generation. During her career she also spoke on both women’s and civil rights.
