6. Segregated Sports and the Color Line
The aftermath of slavery left a lasting imprint on American sports through the establishment of the color line. Black athletes were systematically excluded from professional and amateur leagues, leading to the creation of separate teams and entire leagues, such as the Negro Leagues in baseball. This segregation not only limited opportunities for Black athletes but also shaped the very structure of American sports organizations for generations. The struggle to break these barriers became a defining chapter in the ongoing fight for equality.
