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Jack Johnson became the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1908-1915
Jack Johnson became the first African-American heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1908-1915.Johnson attests that his success in boxing came from the coaching he received from Joe Choynski, whom became his cellmate after the pair were arrested for fighting in Texas -
Fritz Pollard became the first NFL African-American football coach when he took the job in 1921 to coach the Akron (Ohio) Pros.
Fritz Pollard became the first NFL African-American football coach when he took the job in 1921 to coach the Akron (Ohio) Pros. -
In the 1936 Summer Olympic games in Berlin, Germany, Jesse Owens surpassed all odds by winning four gold medals in track and field events. AP
In the 1936 Summer Olympic games in Berlin, Germany, Jesse Owens surpassed all odds by winning four gold medals in track and field events.
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Hank Aaron debuted in 1954 and played 23 years for Major League Baseball. He was selected to play in 24 All-Star games. He also surpassed Babe Ruth by belting a record-setting 755 home runs
Hank Aaron debuted in 1954 and played 23 years for Major League Baseball. He was selected to play in 24 All-Star games. He also surpassed Babe Ruth by belting a record-setting 755 home runs -
Oscar Robertson or "the O-Train" played for the NBA from 1960-1974. A 12-time All-Star, Robertson is the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season.
Oscar Robertson or "the O-Train" played for the NBA from 1960-1974. A 12-time All-Star, Robertson is the only player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. -
Arguably the greatest basketball player, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles. He also played 14 times in NBA all-star games.
Arguably the greatest basketball player, Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles. He also played 14 times in NBA all-star games. -
Bo Jackson made history when he was named an all-star for two American sports: the NFL's Los Angeles Raiders and the MLB's Kansas City Royals. In 1986 he joined the Royals and in 1987, he joined the Raiders. Previous to that, he won the Heisman trophy in
Bo Jackson made history when he was named an all-star for two American sports: the NFL's Los Angeles Raiders and the MLB's Kansas City Royals. In 1986 he joined the Royals and in 1987, he joined the Raiders. Previous to that, he won the Heisman trophy in college in 1985. -
Debi Thomas broke the racial barrier by winning the senior women's title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1986. At the Winter Olympics in 1988, she became the first African-American to win the bronze medal.
Debi Thomas broke the racial barrier by winning the senior women's title at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in 1986. At the Winter Olympics in 1988, she became the first African-American to win the bronze medal. -
San Jose Sharks Mike Grier was the first African-American born and trained in the United States to play in the National Hockey League.
San Jose Sharks Mike Grier was the first African-American born and trained in the United States to play in the National Hockey League. -
Venus and Serena Williams took the tennis nation by storm when they emerged in the late 1990s. Venus turned pro at 14 years old and has won seven Grand Slam titles and five Wimbledon championships. Serena has won 11 Grand Slam singles titles and 10 double
Venus and Serena Williams took the tennis nation by storm when they emerged in the late 1990s. Venus turned pro at 14 years old and has won seven Grand Slam titles and five Wimbledon championships. Serena has won 11 Grand Slam singles titles and 10 doubles championships.
