The Heritage by Howard Bryant is a book that explores the intersection of sports and politics in America. The book delves into the rise, fall, and resurgence of athlete-activism, particularly among black athletes. Bryant conducts extensive research and interviews with prominent sports figures such as Colin Kaepernick, David Ortiz, Charles Barkley, and Chris Webber, as well as members of law enforcement and the military.
The book examines how post-9/11 America collided with politically engaged black athletes in the aftermath of the Ferguson protests. It highlights how athletes have used their platforms to bring attention to social justice issues such as police brutality and racial inequality. The Heritage also explores the backlash that these athletes faced from fans, media, and even fellow athletes who believed that sports should remain apolitical.
Overall, The Heritage provides a comprehensive look at the complex relationship between sports and politics in America. It sheds light on the challenges faced by athlete-activists and their impact on society.
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The Heritage
- Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism
- Narrated by: Ron Butler
Previously, politics and sport were as separate as church and state. The football field is an escape from the world’s worst problems, top athletes are treated like heroes, and cheering on the home team is as easy and innocent as hot dogs and beer. “No sports news” is the governing principle in newsrooms.
That was then.
Today, sports arenas have been transformed into venues for American patriotism and law enforcement’s hero worship. Teams wear camouflage to honor those who serve; the police officers throw out the first throws; Soldiers surprise their families by returning home at recess. Sports and politics go hand in hand.
But as journalist Howard Bryant reveals, it’s always been more complicated for black athletes, who from the outset carry out a political act simply by being on the field. In fact, of all the black working people in 20th-century America, there is perhaps no other group with greater influence and power than the ballplayers. The enormous social responsibilities that come with this role are part of black sporting heritage. It is a legacy built by the superstar influence and radical politics of Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith and John Carlos throughout the 1960s; ruined by the corporate-friendly, non-political “crossovers” O. J. Simpson, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods in the following decades; and is reclaimed today by the likes of LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick and Carmelo Anthony.
Legacy is the story of the athlete-activist’s rise and fall and fervent return. Through in-depth research and interviews with some of the sport’s most famous stars – including Kaepernick, David Ortiz, Charles Barkley and Chris Webber – as well as members of law enforcement and the military, Bryant told details of the collision of post-9/11 sports in the US and post-Ferguson black athletes entering politics.
This story was very well-written and organized. There was lots of history incorporated and not just opinions which I appreciated. Bryant included various perspectives throughout the topics. Overall very insightful.
