Athletes and social justice in historical perspective

Social justice is an essential building block for developing a society. It represents the view that every person deserves equal rights, opportunities, and treatment. Its importance was initially expressed in Plato’s seminal work, Politeia (Republic), written around 375 BC. The work describes an ideal just state and is considered one of the most influential works in philosophy and political theory.

Since then, people have fought for social justice in different contexts and times. In modern times, significant progress has been made regarding equality and justice in societies worldwide. However, several people and groups still fight for issues such as racial injustice, the gender pay gap, and others.

Sport has grown immensely throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, reaching viewers and fans in all corners of the world. The power of sport to create positive change, by inspiring and uniting people from diverse backgrounds, makes it an impressive tool for decision-makers. Athletes have used the effective platform sport provides to take matters into their own hands and initiate social change.

Althea Gibson

The athlete who broke the most racial barriers during their career is Althea Gibson. She was the first African-American tennis player to compete at the U.S. National Championships in 1950 and at Wimbledon the following year. Through her performances, Gibson proved that African-Americans could compete at the highest level of the sport. She also competed in golf later, which was another sport that had been closed to minorities, becoming the first African-American member of the LPGA.

Arthur Ashe

Another tennis star, Arthur Ashe, the first black winner of a major men’s singles championship. He is best known for his social activism. His decision to criticize South African apartheid led to his denial of permission to play in that country’s open tournament. One of his greatest achievements was mobilizing fellow tennis players to show social responsibility and financially support the foundation he created to fight AIDS, a disease he contracted through a blood transfusion.

Muhammad Ali

One of the greatest advocates for social justice and arguably the best boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali (born Cassius Clay). He was stripped of the heavyweight title for being a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. He almost sacrificed his athletic career for his beliefs. Until his death in 2016, Ali remained a vocal advocate for civil rights and other causes.

Present-day athletes continue fighting for social change. From Colin Kaepernick taking a knee during the U.S. national anthem to protest police brutality against black Americans, to Serena Williams openly criticizing tennis organizers for paying uneven competition prizes to male and female athletes. Sport is at the centre stage of social change and will likely continue providing a platform for athletes to create positive change and achieve social justice.