2008 Woodie Awards
African-American athletes influence on the world of sports
Contributions of famous sports stars are showcased for Black History Month
Gina Murray
Date created: 2/14/05 Section: SPORTS
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Born Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali changed his name when he converted to the Muslim religion. Not only a boxer, Ali was also a social activist, having a huge impact on society. In the boxing world, he was the first fighter to win the heavyweight championship on three separate occasions, and he owned the title 19 times. Outside of boxing, Ali's message of black pride and black resistance paved the way for the civil rights movement. Ali finished his career in 1981 with 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts, assuring his place as one of the greatest boxers ever. Ali's talent and courage to stand up for what he believed was right were admirable qualities and influenced more than just boxers or African Americans, it influenced people everywhere.
For the younger generation, there are dominant African American influences too. Serena and Venus Williams have impacted women's tennis with their huge successes. They have won the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the French Open. Venus signed a deal with Reebok, which was the biggest endorsement deal for a female athlete ever.
Tiger Woods changed the game of golf by winning the British Open, the Masters and the U.S. Open in a white dominated sport. He is the youngest person ever to win these championships.
The Williams sisters and Woods have influenced minorities to join sports that usually were dominated by white athletes, and allowed them to see that they can succeed.
Sports have been greatly influenced by black athletes everywhere in every sport. Some that must be mentioned also are Jesse Owens, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Florence Griffith Joyner ("FloJo"), and Willie Mays. There are so many others also.
Many athletes in the professional leagues, in universities and other colleges, and even those here at Skyline would not be playing if it hadn't been for these pioneers of the game. And these athletes paved the way for the future legends to be made.
For the younger generation, there are dominant African American influences too. Serena and Venus Williams have impacted women's tennis with their huge successes. They have won the U.S. Open, the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the French Open. Venus signed a deal with Reebok, which was the biggest endorsement deal for a female athlete ever.
Tiger Woods changed the game of golf by winning the British Open, the Masters and the U.S. Open in a white dominated sport. He is the youngest person ever to win these championships.
The Williams sisters and Woods have influenced minorities to join sports that usually were dominated by white athletes, and allowed them to see that they can succeed.
Sports have been greatly influenced by black athletes everywhere in every sport. Some that must be mentioned also are Jesse Owens, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Florence Griffith Joyner ("FloJo"), and Willie Mays. There are so many others also.
Many athletes in the professional leagues, in universities and other colleges, and even those here at Skyline would not be playing if it hadn't been for these pioneers of the game. And these athletes paved the way for the future legends to be made.
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