Sports and Activism: The Bobby Grier Story

Welcome back to Athletic Anthropology! Today I would like to discuss one instance of sports creating positive social change. The 1940-1960s were a time in American were the very fabric of society was being reimagined and designed. Sports were no exception to this social reflection as they were front in center in Al a changing America. Today, we will discuss the Bobby Grier and the legacy he would have.

Professional football often mirrors the values of American society through the players that play the game. Throughout the 1950s to 1970s, the sport of football grew in popularity among black communities. The two major football leagues of the time, the American Football League and later the National Football league, eventually became composed of people of color. The racial tensions between the black players and the predominantly white fans became apparent through the effects of segregation. Many black players could not travel to play games in southern states. The tensions between black AFL players and their acceptance into predominantly-white communities were highlighted when the AFL decided to schedule its all-star weekend festivities in New Orleans. League officials decided to host the games in the city after it had hosted the Sugar Bowl in 1956. It was the first time the historic game featured black and white players. That year, the Sugar Bowl was a source of controversy as the Georgia Governor did not want Georgia Tech to play Pittsburgh because of a black player on the opposing team. The Sugar Bowl had never had a black player before, but Pittsburg threatened to boycott the game if linebacker Bobby Grier was prevented from playing. After a petition by Georgia Tech students and Pittsburgh, Grier was allowed to play and broke the color barrier in the Sugar Bowl. 

Grier would set new precedents regarding attendance and engagement in collegiate sports. His actions would be monumental in helping to crate change by normalizing these race relations. Recognizing the role of sports in creating change can helping bring awareness to stories like these and ensure that athletics are used for good.