Anti-Racism in Sport Organizations

Abstract

Sport reflects the values, beliefs, and power structures embedded within the societies where they are practiced. Within the United States (U.S.), White racism is foundational to the establishment of the nation and its corresponding social institutions (e.g., politics, law, religion, education, business, healthcare, etc.). As a social institution and cultural practice, sport has served as a contested site for the reproduction and resistance of racist beliefs, norms, systems, and outcomes. Throughout the history of sport in the U.S., numerous athletes, coaches, administrators, media, spectators, and community members have challenged racism on multiple levels. These intergenerational efforts embody the legacy of anti-racism, or intentional efforts to dismantle the systemic and everyday existence of racism in and through sport. This chapter presents anti-racism as a philosophy and framework for addressing racism in professional, intercollegiate, interscholastic, and youth sport in the 21st century.