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Marshall Taylor
Marshall Taylor was the first African American to make a memorable impact on American sports. Marshall was an African American cyclist Indiana. When Marshall turned 16, he began competing in races. By the age of 21, Marshall had won the World Championship in cycling and recieved the nickname "Black Cyclone." Taylor became the first African American to win a title. -
Fritz Pollard becomes the first black NFL head coach
Frederick "Fritz" Pollard became the first African American head coach the in National Football League in 1921. Despite his short career, Fritz was very successful. Fritz himself was an athlete and played in the Rose Bowl. After going pro and signing for the Akron Pros who would win the championship in 1920, he would become coach the following year. During his career he played and sometimes coached for four different teams. -
Jesse Owens wins gold in 1936 Summer Olympics
Jesse Owens participated in the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. He excelled above competition by winning a 4 gold medals. The four events he entered was the 100 meter dash, 200 meter dash, 4x100 meter relay, and long jump. He was considered the most successful athlete of the 1936 Summer Olympic games. He later died in 1980. -
Jackie Robinson enters MLB
Jackie Robinson played a massive role in breaking the color barrier in American sports. Jackie attended UCLA where he played baseball, ran track, and football. After graduating from college, Jackie signed a contract to a minor league team the Montreal Royals. After one year, the Dodgers called Robinson up to the majors. Follow Link to see Jackie Stealing home at 55 World Series:
<a href='http://youtu.be/0pFnzx4NQIE' -
Althea Gibson Wins Wimbledon
Althea Gibson was the first African American woman to be a competitor on the world tennis tour and the first to win a Grand Slam title in 1956. She won the Wimbledon two times. One time in 1957 and another time the next year in 1958. Althea was also the first African American woman to join the LPGA tour, in 1964. -
Willie O'Ree plays in the NHL
Willie O'Ree is the first hockey player to break the color barrier in professional hockey. Willie O'Ree was also overcome adversity of being a minority, and was also 95% blind in one eye. After signing with the Bruins, O'Ree kept his handicap a secret until after he retired from the game. O'Ree finished his career with 4 goals, and 20 assists. -
Bill Russell becomes the first African American head coach in the NBA
Bill Russell become first African American head coach for the Boston Celtics in 1966. He also played in the NBA for the Celtics as well before retirement. He has been inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame and reigns as one of the most dominant players in the NBA to ever play. -
Michael Jordan wins NBA Championship 6 times
Michael Jordan wins the NBA championship for the first time in 1991. Not only did he along with the Chicago Bulls and Phil Jackson win once, Michael Jordan won 5 more times and was the MVP every time. Michael Jordan is arguably the best basketball player to ever play in the NBA. He also won two gold medals for the Olympics mens all-star game. Follow Link to see Michael Jordan's 6th championship win:
http://youtu.be/A0BR6uoIIBE -
Lisa Leslie earns gold in 1996 Summer Olympics
Lisa Leslie first participated in the 1996 Summer Olympics playing basketball on the USA womens all-star team. Lisa Leslie broke records and excelled as a player on the L.A. Sparks. Not only did Lisa Leslie win the gold in 1996 but she also won three other times in 2000, 2004, and 2008. -
Kobe Bryant wins NBA championship 3 times in a row
Kobe Bryant came into the NBA straight out of high school after graduation. He was drafted by the Hornets but was then later traded to the LA Lakers. In 2000-2002 he won the NBA championship 3 times in a row. He has also won the NBA dunk contest his rookie year in the NBA.
