Philip Viger

Abstract:

Throughout history, society has seen how sports and politics frequently go hand in hand. Scholars have studied the relationship between sports and politics (Gill, E. L. (2016); Henderson, S. (2010); Nittle, N. (2021); Ruffin II, H. G. (2014)). However, they have not come to a conclusion about whether athletes should be allowed to use their platform to express their beliefs. In this study, I will explore the intersection of sports and politics through a historical analysis of the Black Power Olympic Protest of 1968. Ultimately, this essay argues that the Black Power Olympic protest was a pivotal moment in the history of sports and politics, and a powerful example of why athletes should use their platform to advocate for social change.