Raise a Fist, Take a Knee by John Feinstein

RAISE A FIST, TAKE A KNEE is a new work of non-fiction by John Feinstein in which he, a White man, interviews many players, coaches, and other sports figures about living the Black experience in sports. After a prologue which references the famous raised fist salute 53 (!) years ago at the Mexico City Olympics, Feinstein devotes sections of the book to football, basketball, and baseball.  He points out, for example, the ongoing discrimination where Black players in the NFL have been often asked to change positions prior to the draft. Comments from long standing NFL coaches Tony Dungy and Mike Tomlin (who describes how Black coaches are often thought of first as recruiters and find it difficult to move up) are interspersed. More examples, details, and commentary follow on the other sports, including both historic events and experiences of the younger generation. 

Here is a recent PBS NewsHour interview in which Feinstein discusses his new book, including the push to write it from former Georgetown Hoya coach John Thompson, Jr.:

RAISE A FIST, TAKE A KNEE, subtitled “Race and the Illusion of Progress in Modern Sports,” is clearly written by someone who knows and loves sports, yet who can also eloquently describe “how the protestors loved their country and wanted to make it better.” Our students, particularly those who are big sports fans, will find this to be an accessible and thought-provoking work.