More than just a game: the impact of sports on racial segregation in one southern town

The research examines the impact of sports in the Civil Rights Movement, particularly addressing school desegregation during 1965–1971 in Valdosta, Georgia, based on interviews with nine Black football athletes who played for Valdosta High School during that period. The Valdosta High School football team had a tradition of excellence that was recognized throughout the state of Georgia. Valdosta and most of Lowndes County had a clear history of racial violence and bigotry. However, when the community was faced with mandated desegregation of the high school, instead of resorting to violence, the citizens focused on football. The outstanding success of African American football players and the entire time under the leadership of their head coach built a bridge between the White and Black communities. What could have been a period of intense brutality and community upheaval became a time of championships and glory.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Alabama Libraries

Year dc:date.issued

2017

Author dc:creator

• Robinson, Robert L.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Adams, Natalie G.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Brickman, Barbara Jane
• Hutcheson, Philo A.
• McKnight, Douglas
• Tomlinson, Stephen

• Black history
• Education history
• African American studies

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US, English

Dc Identifier Other

u0015_0000001_0002606
Robinson_alatus_0004D_13103

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ir.ua.edu:123456789/3203