The Heritage

Black Athletes, a Divided America, and the Politics of Patriotism

By: Howard Bryant

Narrated by: Ron Butler

Following in the footsteps of Robeson, Ali, Robinson, and others, today's black athletes reengage with social issues and the meaning of American patriotism

Named a Best Book of 2018 by Library Journal

It used to be that politics and sports were as separate from one another as church and state. The ballfield was an escape from the world's worst problems, top athletes were treated like heroes, and cheering for the home team was as easy and innocent as hot dogs and beer. "No news on the sports page" was a governing principle in newsrooms.

That was then.

Today, sports arenas have been transformed into staging grounds for American patriotism and the hero worship of law enforcement. Teams wear camouflage jerseys to honor those who serve; police officers throw out first pitches; soldiers surprise their families with homecomings at halftime. Sports and politics are decidedly entwined.

But as journalist Howard Bryant reveals, this has always been more complicated for black athletes, who from the start were committing a political act simply by being on the field. In fact, among all black employees in 20th-century America, perhaps no other group had more outsized influence and power than ballplayers. The immense social responsibilities that came with the role is part of the black athletic heritage. It is a heritage built by the influence of the superstardom and radical politics of Paul Robeson, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Tommie Smith, and John Carlos through the 1960s; undermined by apolitical, corporate-friendly "transcenders of race", O. J. Simpson, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods in the following decades; and reclaimed today by the likes of LeBron James, Colin Kaepernick, and Carmelo Anthony.

The Heritage is the story of the rise, fall, and fervent return of the athlete-activist. Through deep research and interviews with some of sports' best-known stars - including Kaepernick, David Ortiz, Charles Barkley, and Chris Webber - as well as members of law enforcement and the military, Bryant details the collision of post-9/11 sports in America and the politically engaged post-Ferguson black athlete.

©2018 Howard Bryant (P)2018 Beacon Press

Critic reviews

“A fascinating, insightful look at race, politics, and sport.” (Booklist)

“A well-researched meditation on the historical pressures on African-American athletes to embrace (or avoid) political engagement.... An appealing blend of sports history and provocative discussion of race and success, respect, and representation in America.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“In this timely book, Bryant, senior writer for ESPN Magazine, astutely explains how sports serves ‘as a barometer of blacks’ standing in the larger culture.’... This indispensable book expertly chronicles a fractured nation dealing with black players who no longer want to (as Fox News host Laura Ingraham told LeBron James) ‘shut up and dribble.’” (Publishers Weekly)

In-depth and scathingly inciteful.

Howard Bryant once again goes quickly to the heart of the issues and reveals the hypocrisy and self-serving nature of the League, the White House, the military and the public have all been players in a calculated game of deception, lies and naked greed and capitalism. A perfect companion piece to Full Dissidence.

Amazing read that is detailed and informative

Great writing, storytelling, with great information that may change the way you look at the stars of yesterday and today.I hope sports turns back into just a game.

What is The Heritage?

Well you’re going to have to read the book to find out. But if you’re watching sports today or playing sports, you’re doing yourself and most likely the community a disservice by “not” familiarizing yourself with the history, legacy & significance of The Heritage.

Learn what the author has to say about iconic athletes and their commitment to or lack thereof, to The Heritage. I won’t recount their names, as you know them sometimes by only their initials or just their first names. But do we praise their minds, or are we only fascinated with their bodies?

Oh & this pseudo Patriotism thing ... it’s in there.

Wow - incredibly compelling!

I was pleasantly surprised that this book is far more expository and far reaching than just sports, taking about racism and segregation more broadly. Narration is top notch and leaves the book gripping, for my part.

MASTER PIECE

A history lesson of note. Highly recommend it for all. Inspirational, authentic, truthful and sad at the same time.

Another Gem by H.B.

Loved it!, Howard Bryany puts the current events of Kaep and others in their correct historical context. the mpre you know, the more you kneel.

Incredible. Divisive. Dissonant. Unforgettable.

The grips of capitalism are deep. This book was both affirming and eye opening into the depths of the power structure's grip on creating an emotional shared experience at the expense of human bodies. Ths furthered my commitment to principles over entertainment.

History and context matter

Excellent
Black athletes and their minds are a dangerous threat to the ruling class of which many of them are a part of too.
I am even more inspired by athletes woh stand up for the people.
Fascism threatens all of our way of life.

What an incredible work!

I learned so incredibly much from this book. A beautifully written and read history which ties sports, patriotism, nationalism, and racism together in one seamless thread. I’m not really a sports fan, but read this after reading White Fragility by Robin Diangelo. Both books have greatly expanded my worldview and my understanding of this country.

Great Read

As a future sports multimedia journalist l must say this book is a MUST READ for those who have trouble understanding the reasons for Kaepernick’s actions in the NFL.