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Welcome back to the Cultural Curriculum Chat podcast 

Today I look into the fascinating intersection of sports and social justice. In this episode, I take a deep dive into the history, power, and influence of athletes using their platforms for social change. From the Olympic podiums of 1968 to the social media feeds of today, athletes continue to stand tall, bringing attention to social injustices on a global stage.

Athletes and Activism: A Powerful Combination

Athletes are more than just competitors on the field; they are global icons with a voice that resonates far beyond the stadium. Sports have always been political, whether we like it or not. From the likes of Muhammad Ali refusing to fight in the Vietnam War to Megan Rapinoe taking a knee in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, athletes have never shied away from activism.

Let’s take it all the way back to one of the most iconic moments of protest in sports: the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. The world watched as Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black-gloved fists during the medal ceremony for the 200-meter race. That single moment in history brought global attention to the racial injustices facing Black Americans. What’s even more powerful is that these men risked it all—they were stripped of their medals and faced harsh consequences, including death threats. But they knew their silence would be far more damaging than the repercussions they faced.

Today, athletes have a louder voice, thanks to social media. However, the message remains the same; social justice is something they cannot ignore.

The Political Arena of the Olympic Games

Despite the International Olympic Committee (IOC) wanting to keep politics out of the Games, it’s impossible to separate the two. Just look at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Afghan breakdancer b-girl Talash wore a cape reading “Free Afghan Women” and was immediately disqualified. Her silent protest brought worldwide attention to the plight of women in Afghanistan, even if it meant risking her athletic career.

Then there’s the Algerian team, which chose to honor the victims of police brutality from Paris in 1961 by tossing roses into the River Seine during the opening ceremony. These athletes used their platform to remember a painful part of France’s history, reminding the world that we must never forget these tragedies.

Athletes Making Their Mark

One of the more recent acts of athlete activism comes from Dutch marathoner Sifan Hassan, who proudly wore her hijab while receiving her Olympic gold medal. Despite the French ban on hijabs in the 2024 Olympics, Hassan’s silent but powerful statement reminded us that an athlete’s identity and beliefs cannot be stripped away, no matter the rules.

Athletes like LeBron James and Megan Rapinoe continue to leverage their platforms to speak out against social injustices like police brutality, racial inequality, and gender discrimination. And they’re not alone—athletes from all around the globe are making sure their voices are heard, sparking important conversations in homes, classrooms, and government offices.

A Must-Read for Classrooms and Communities
As educators and community members, it’s important to encourage open discussions about these iconic moments in sports history. Why do athletes continue to take a stand? How can we learn from their acts of courage and determination? These conversations offer valuable lessons about empathy, activism, and the role of social justice in every aspect of life, even in sports.
You can also encourage students to explore these moments visually by creating gallery walks. Display images like Tommie Smith and John Carlos raising their fists in Mexico City, or b-girl Talash in her cape at the 2024 Games, and allow students to reflect on what these images represent. By encouraging critical thinking, we help young minds understand that sports and activism often go hand in hand.