"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." - Martin Luther King Jr. On August 28th, 1963, the active pacifist from Atlanta, Georgia, started the greatest racial equality movement in history. This speech has not only influenced every aspect of civil rights, but started a revolution in sports as well. All of the achievements that happened in the past have translated to the world we live in today.
Sports have been the main contributor when showing how our nations push for racial equality has effected every day events. Normal people have been given the ability to do extraordinary things, no matter the color of your skin, or how you speak, where you're from, or what you look like. Sports give us, as humans, the chance to show how none of that matters and teach us that the better-prepared man will always win. It is a willing testament to the definition of limitation, and how far you are willing to push yourself, no matter the resistance, or the haters, or even the negligent people who focus on simple attributes such as race. This only exemplifies the love of sports even more. Today we see so many athletes who have come against all odds to reach the goals they have been dreaming about since they were kids. Everyone loves a story where a young boy or girl has the ability to defy his upbringing, provide for his family, or even to find enjoyment through sport as the only happiness in their life.
Now for you statistical junkies, I haven't left any of that out. As progress shows, sports have offered many jobs to people of a minority race. Over the past couple decades the NBA, NFL, and MLB, have had the ability to incorporate all parts of society into their organizations. From a 2012 report, the percentage of African-American players in the NFL is now around 67%, which is a huge jump from the early days of football when African-Americans weren't allowed to play. The NBA has been known as a "Black League" for the last decade or so, and still holds the title belt today, reaching an amazing 78% African-American and a surprising 4% Latino as well. These two organizations first opened up sports to just African-Americans, but through vigorous pushes for rights and cultural integration, have influenced other ethnicities to join other sports. The MLB was actually the first real sport to break the color barrier with the help of Jackie Robinson, or to some, the most courageous man in history. Defying odds and having the ability to take mountains of criticism, he dreamed of living in a world where race didn't matter, and it's safe to say his hard work and determination has paid off. I wish I could say the MLB has lots of African-American participation today, but it only stands at a small 8 percent. On a more positive note, the MLB has had the ability to maintain a steady 28 percent Hispanic population over the past couple years. This racial diversity is not only great for the MLB as an organization, but the sport itself, being the second most culturally diverse sport in the world, just behind soccer.
Soccer is the most racially diverse sport in the entire world.
Victor Decolongon/Getty Images
Unfortunately, we know there is a world outside of sports that cannot be as easily integrated as these organizations. But let's not think negatively, the world of sports has influenced the real world in many different ways. One can easily say that teams/organizations have inspired the public to break other boundaries. Gender and sexuality are two prime examples of this uprising.
Women have been limited in sports before, but it is inspiring to see how women are now treated as equal in the workplace, at home, and as individuals of society. In my mind ever since Emilia Earhart flew across the Atlantic, women have never looked back. What's great about sports, however, is that women have able to fight for rights, and let their game speak for them. After decades of gains, they still are striving for improvement, with an example being Danica Patrick, the first woman to ever race in NASCAR.
The other big change happening in the world today is sexuality. Major accomplishments have been made in this year alone for gay members of society. Laws, bills, and marriage have all been debated on whether or not homosexuals deserve these rights. Fortunately, sports have been a great way for gay athletes to speak their minds and lead the way for change, in hope that many will soon follow. Just recently, Jason Collins of the Washington Wizards came out with big news, being the first active player to publically admit he was gay. The NBA was happy for his decision, as was the public, accepting him for his courageous act while battling all odds.
Progress has no time period, it never stops. It’s what keeps the world turning, and in order to be one with society, you must change with it. The nation has gone through tremendous change within the last few decades, and still seeks improvement today. Sports offer us a way to escape these problems and to go up against barriers like race, age, gender, and sexuality. Although sports don't represent the real world, they offer a way for players to be proud of where they come from and unite teams as a family and brotherhood. Yesterday was the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's speech and today I'm proud to say his dream has finally become a reality.
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