The Long View of Sports Protests

In 2016, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick began kneeling during the National Anthem to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement. When President Donald Trump weighed in by condemning such actions, the focus dramatically expanded to questions of free speech, patriotism, and respecting the flag. While many lament the entrance of politics into their Sunday football, we speak with three historians and sports fans—Hasan Jeffries, Robert Bennett, and Marc Horger—to discuss the long history of sports protests, why they are so controversial, and the historical issues at the heart of today's conversation. Listen in, as we learn how sports have never been immune from politics or protest. Guests: Dr. Hasan Jeffries - Associate Professor of History at The Ohio State University and specialist in 20th century African American History. Dr. Robert Bennett - Program Specialist with a dual appointment with The Ohio State University’s Office of International Affairs and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. He also researches education opportunities for student athletes. Marc Horger - Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Sciences at The Ohio State University specializing in the history of American sports. An in-text version of this episode can be found at: https://origins.osu.edu/historytalk/long-view-sports-protests