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In the United States, sports and patriotism go hand in hand. For decades, expressions of national pride have been common at sporting events — starting with national anthem renditions in 1918 and including military flyovers since 2001. Once considered a 'politically neutral' space, the sports industry is now a contested stage for American patriotism and dissent — as well as power struggles between white owners and managers, and the vast majority of players, who are of color. How are players and journalists using this stage to advance racial equity in the U.S. today?
On March 19, the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project (IARA) and the Institute of Politics are hosting a panel discussion on racial justice in the sports arena. Join us to hear from:
- Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Player & President of the WNBA Players' Association
- Rob Parker, Sports Journalist
- Ken Miles (moderator), Executive Director, Penn Center for Inclusive Innovation & Technology
This panel will explore questions such as: In what ways have players succeeded in challenging the national status quo by refusing industry norms? How much power do players really have, if advocating for a position means risking everything? And, what can be learned from sports about refusing everyday practices in American culture?