Learning to Give
Learning to Give: Lesson 2: Philanthropy of Sports Heroes and Myself
With this lesson plan, teachers can assist students in expanding their knowledge of African American sport heroes who accomplished much more than athletic victories. Students will increase their understanding of philanthropy and...
Learning to Give
Learning to Give: Lesson 1: Sports Heroes and Private Action for the Public Good
With this lesson plan, teachers can assist students in expanding their knowledge of African American sport heroes beyond their athletic achievements. Students will learn what these famous black Americans have contributed to the world...
CommonLit
Common Lit: "Stopping for Olympic Gold" by Angie Kay Dilmore
John Woodruff was an African American track athlete who won a gold medal in the 1936 Summer Olympics. In this informational text, Angie Kay Dilmore discusses John's life and famous race. As you read, take notes on how John achieved...
Other
O'malley Seidler Partners: Hall of Famers: Jackie Robinson
Learn about the challenges Jackie Robinson had to deal with while being the first African-American to play major league baseball.
Library of Congress
Loc: America's Story:jackie Robinson Throws Opening Pitch
Jackie Robinson was not only one of the all-time great baseball players, he was the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. The Library of Congress presents a site with information and photographs of this amazing man.
ESPN Internet Ventures
Espn: Rudolph Ran and the World Went Wild
This site has an ESPN article about Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994 CE) featuring several quotes from her about her childhood and the impact of her Olympic career on other athletes. Links in the sidebar also takes you to additional material on...
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Arthur Ashe
This brief biography of athlete Arthur Ashe describes his rise to fame in the world of sports, his work as an activist and his diagnosis of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.
Black Past
Black Past: Rudolph, Wilma
This brief encyclopedia entry gives the high points of Wilma Rudolph's life and her success as an athlete.
Smithsonian Institution
National Postal Museum: Art of the Stamp: Wilma Rudolph
View the artwork for a U.S. postage stamp issued in 2004 to commemorate Wilma Rudolph, the first African American woman to win three gold medals for track and field in a single Olympics. With a short biographical passage.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia Britannica: Maury Wills
Read about the life of Maury Wills, African-American professional baseball player and manager, who set base-stealing records in his playing career.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: School Publishers: Jackie Robinson
America honors Jackie Robinson's first year in baseball's major leagues. This site has a brief biography of Jackie Robinson and how he broke the race barrier.
Other
Arthur Ashe: Biography
This official Arthur Ashe biography describes his life in detail, from his childhood in Virginia to his record-breaking career in tennis. Readers will also learn about his work as an activist and philanthropist, and his HIV positive...
My Hero Project
My Hero: Wilma Rudolph
Track star Wilma Rudolph overcame several childhood illness to become, in 1960, the first American woman to win 3 Olympic gold medals. Use this resource to learn more about the awards and recognition this amazing athlete earned.
ESPN Internet Ventures
Espn: Jackie Changed Face of Sports
An ESPN article that showcases the career and life of legendary baseball player, Jackie Robinson. Selected the first African-American to play in the majors in the 20th century, ESPN named him number fifteen on its list of greatest athletes.
PBS
Pbs: American Masters: Paul Robeson
PBS profiles the life of African American actor, athlete, singer, author, and political activist, Paul Robeson. Click on the timeline to see highlights of his often turbulent career.
ESPN Internet Ventures
Espn: Brown Bomber' Was a Hero to All
Joe Louis was the first African American sports hero. Here you can read about the life and career of the 1937-1949 world's heavyweight champion who is number eleven on ESPN's list of great athletes of the 20th century.
White Pine Pictures
White Pine Pictures: Captain of Souls: Rev. William White
Reverend William White was born the son of slaves who had bought their freedom. He was accepted to Acadia University in Nova Scotia and became a great athlete and later a minister. He preached equality for all races and fought for...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Arthur Ashe
This article provides an in-depth look into the life and career of athlete Arthur Ashe. Includes detailed statistics on his professional tennis career.
Read Works
Read Works: Desert Racing
[Free Registration/Login Required] An informational text about athlete and desert racer Ryan Sandes. A question sheet is available to help students build skills in reading comprehension.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Paul Robeson
Examine the life of renown scholar, athlete, singer and actor Paul Robeson and his influence on Pennsylvania's history.
Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Comission
Explore Pa History: Paul Robeson
Examine the life of renown scholar, athlete, singer and actor Paul Robeson and his influence on Pennsylvania's history.
ESPN Internet Ventures
Espn: Mays Brought Joy to Baseball
From ESPN, career and biographical highlights of legendary Giants outfielder, Willie Mays, who was named number eight on its list of greatest athletes of the 20th century.
ESPN Internet Ventures
Espn: Sweetness Ran and Ran and Ran
Walter Payton holds the career record for most yards rushing in the NFL; that is one of the reasons ESPN choose him as the thirty ninth ranked best athlete of the century. Here you can get a glimpse of his many career highlights.