Collection: More Than a Game: The Power of Black Athletes in America

My family, step into this sacred space where cleats, gloves, fists, and courage collide. “More Than a Game” honors the warriors who used their bodies not only to win championships, but to challenge oppression. From Major Taylor, the first Black world cycling champion, to Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color line, to Althea Gibson swinging her way into tennis history; these pioneers didn’t just play; they fought through silence, slurs, and segregation with pride and grace. Here, you’ll witness the rise of Black women like Wilma Rudolph, Flo Jo, and Serena Williams, who shattered world records and redefined what strength, beauty, and brilliance look like. These athletes stood for excellence in a world that expected them to fail and they never folded.

But our story didn’t stop at the scoreboard. We honor Muhammad Ali, the people’s champion, who gave up his title rather than betray his people or his beliefs. We raise the memory of Tommie Smith and John Carlos, who raised their fists for justice at the 1968 Olympics, standing barefoot and bold. And we salute modern-day freedom fighters like Colin Kaepernick, who took a knee so our communities could rise. This exhibit shows that Black athletes have never been just entertainers; they have been educators, protestors, and prophets. Through every slam dunk, sprint, and silent act of defiance, they’ve reminded the world: we are not just players…we are power.