NBA

A changing NBA fan base drove the league toward an embrace of Black culture, and social justice politics.

How Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's activism set the stage for Lebron James and twenty-first century Black professional athletes.

A new book argues that the real history of the league is one of strife between Black labor and white ownership.

The impact of Black ball players' fight for higher compensation and labor protections in the ‘70s is felt today.

In 1968 Gaye shifted his musical vision to give voice to impoverished Black urban communities and the rising dissent against involvement in the Vietnam War.

Connie Hawkins overcame scandal and setbacks to star for the Pittsburgh Pipers, leading them to an ABA title, paving the way for NBA reforms.

Despite captivating the nation with their athleticism every March, collegiate basktball players remain an exploited labor force for the profit of the NCAA.

In Chris Herring’s recent history of the New York basketball team, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the sports commentariat’s fixation on grit and toughness.

Kinston, NC has faced immense adversity, yet it has become the NBA capital of the world.

The autobiography of NBA star Craig Hodges contains lessons for the pro athletes who are speaking up today.

The Globetrotters have always been far more than just a comic exhibition team, just as sports have always meant much more than escapism.

MLB owners’ recent lockout was an effort to reverse the gains that players had won over decades of labor struggle. The owners failed.

His defiance changed baseball and helped assert Black people’s worth in American culture.

Jim Thorpe, Jack Johnson, and the sporting middle ground.

Shaq, Baron Davis, and Nick Van Exel reflect on The Notorious B.I.G., his murder, and the city they called home.

Athletes who helped shape our times and the economic freedom that enabled them.