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Marshall Taylor
Although ofter overlooked, Marshall Taylor was the first African American to make an impact on American sport. Taylor was an African American cyclist from a small rural town in Indiana. At the age of 12, Taylor recieved his first bicycle and began performing tricks. By the age of 16, Taylor began competing in races. By 21, Taylor had won the World Championship in cycling and recieved the nickname "Black Cyclone." Taylor became the first African American to win a title. -
Charles Follis
Charles Follis was the first professional African American football player. Follis not only played football for the Shelby Blues in the Ohio League, but also played baseball for Wooster University where he played with teammate Branch Rickey. Branch Rickey went on to become the GM for the Brooklyn Dodgers who would be responsible for the first Major League team to sign an African American, Jackie Robinson, in 1947. -
George Poage
Although the first official Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece, the first African American Olympian would not be seen until 1904. George Poage competed in the 1904 Summer Olympic Games during the St. Louis World Fair. Poage would win two bronze medals in the 200 Meter Hurdle, and the 400 Meter Hurdle. 1904 also saw Poage win his alma mater the University of Wisconsin the Big Ten Track Championship. -
Fritz Pollard
Frederick "Fritz" Pollard became the first African American head coach the in National Football League in 1921. While having a very short professional career, Pollard was very successful. While attending Brown University, he played in the 1916 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. Even in today's society, there is a low number of minority coaches in the NFL. -
Woody Strode
Although he was not the first African American to play in the NFL, Strode was a pioneer for black athletes. Along side fellow teammates Kenny Washington and Jackie Robinson, Strode played in the 1940 Rose Bowl for the UCLA Bruins. The following year, Strode signed a professional contract with the Los Angeles Rams, making him the first black football player in the NFL since 1933. After his football career, Strode went on to star in popular movies such as Spartacus and Once Upon a Time in the West -
Jackie Robinson
Jackie Robinson debut with the Royals.Roosevelt Robinson, also known as Jackie, played a massive role in breaking the color barrier in American sports. Robinson attended UCLA where he not only played baseball, but as well as football. After he graduated, Robinson signed to a minor league team the Montreal Royals. After one year, the Dodgers called Robinson up to the majors. Although Robinson was constantly heckled his rookie year, he went on to win the MLB Rookie of the Year trophy in 1947 and then the National League MVP in 1949. -
Nathaniel "Sweetwater" Clifton
Nathaniel Clifton was the first African American to sign a NBA contract. In college Clifton played for Xavier University of Louisiana before joinging the United States Army during World War II. As a veteran, Clifton continued to persue his passion in basketball joining the all-black team New York Rens. Clifton later joined the Harlem Globetrotters before signing to the New York Knicks in 1950. In his rookie season, Clifton help lead the Knicks to the NBA finals. -
Althea Gibson
Gibson wins at Wimbleton in 1957Althea Gibson was the first African American to win a grand slam title in Tennis. Gibson is often considered the "Jackie Robinson of tennis" due to the lack of diversity that existed in tennis. Even in today's society, tennis is predominatly white due to socioeconomic status holds minorities back from participating in "leisure" sports such as golf and tennis. Although Gibson was the first, she paved the way for others like Venus and Serena Williams. -
Willie O'Ree
Willie O'Ree backgroundWillie O'Ree will be remembered as the first hockey player to break the color barrier in professional hockey. Not only did O'Ree overcome adversity of being a minority, but 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. -
Charlie Sifford
Charlie Sifford was the first to break the color barrier in golf. Starting off as a caddy, Sifford always dreamed of going professional. Although he was invited to his first PGA event in 1952, he did not participate due to threats and racial abuse. In 1961 Sifford became an official member of the PGA tour and won two official money events that year. Tiger Woods often praises Sifford for how he changed the game. -
Otey Cannon
Otey Cannon was the first African American to play in the North America Soccer League. Although the NASL wasn't necessarily as segregated as other sports, Cannon was the first to get a professional contract. Cannon signed with the Dallas Tornadoes before he signed with the Seattle Sounders. Cannon only scored one proffesional goal during his career. -
Lynette Woodard
Lynette Woodard made history by becoming the first female on the Harlem Globetrotters. Before being recruited to the Globetrotters, Woodard won two state basketball titles in high school. After high school Woodard went on to play at the University of Kansas. In 1984, Woodard was a member of the Olympic gold medal team. -
Sheryl Swoops
Sheryl Swoops was the first player signed when the WNBA was created. Swoops has had a lustrious career, winning three olympic gold medals, one bronze medal, and a laundry list of other awards and honors such as WNBA all star and MVP awards. Not only was she the first player to be signed in the WNBA, but is also referred to as the "female Michael Jordan."
