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The intertwined story of five influential African American athletes who came together as teammates at UCLA in the 1930s, a time when racial discrimination in sports was widespread across the nation. Their career pursuits after college precipitated political and social change in the world of sports, entertainment, and politics.
List of contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Prologue
1. No Bed of Roses in Pasadena
2. The Kingfish and Woody
3. The High School Years
4. The Little Brother
5. Obstacles to Overcome
6. A Sorry Season
7. An Easy Choice
8. Fitting in at UCLA
9. Under-the-Table Help
10. Filling the Coffers
11. High Expectations
12. A Disappointing End to the Season
13. Decision Time
14. Passed Over by the NFL
15. The Indispensable Robinson
16. World War II Beckons
17. Moving Up in the Ranks
18. Making NFL History
19. The Negro League Years
20. End of the Line at LAPD
21. Leaving Athletics
22. Movie Star in the Making
23. A Promotion Earned
24. Blending In
25. Changing Los Angeles
26. The Civil Rights Years
27. Their Legacy
Notes
Bibliography
Index
About the author
James W. Johnson is professor emeritus of journalism at the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is the author of several books, including The Dandy Dons: Bill Russell, K. C. Jones, Phil Woolpert, and One of College Basketball’s Greatest and Most Innovative Teams (Bison Books, 2009) and The Wow Boys: A Coach, a Team, and a Turning Point in College Football (Bison Books, 2006).
Summary
Chronicles the inspirational lives of five African American athletes who faced racial discrimination as teammates at UCLA in the late 1930s. Best known among them was Jackie Robinson, a fourstar athlete for the Bruins who went on to break the colour barrier in Major League Baseball and become a leader in the civil rights movement.
