Sports have always been more than just a game, especially for Black athletes who have used their platforms to push for change.

Muhammad Ali risked everything by standing firm against the Vietnam War. Colin Kaepernick sparked a global conversation on racial injustice with a single kneel. Meanwhile, Venus Williams fought for equal pay in tennis, shifting the sport’s landscape for generations to come. And they’re not alone. Through bold protests, legal battles, or unwavering resilience, these athletes have redefined what it means to be a champion—both in their sport and society. 

As we continue celebrating Black History Month, we’re spotlighting Black athletes who not only dominated their sports but also changed the world.

Muhammad Ali 

Legendary boxer and social activist Muhammad Ali was not only a heavyweight champion but also a force in the fight for justice. 

The late Kentucky native used his voice to oppose the Vietnam War, advocate for civil rights, and stand against systemic oppression.  While his refusal to be drafted cost him his title and nearly his career, he never wavered. Ali’s legacy serves as a blueprint for athlete activism that still inspires today.  

Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson made history in the 1940s as the first Black player in Major League Baseball. On April 15, 1947, he debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking the sport’s long-standing color barrier. Despite his undeniable talent, Robinson faced relentless racism from fans, teammates, and opponents. Yet, his perseverance, dignity, and exceptional skill on the field secured his place in baseball history and paved the way for generations of Black athletes across all sports.

The Dodgers’ decision to sign Robinson marked a turning point in professional baseball, signaling the end of racial segregation that had confined Black players to the Negro Leagues since the 1880s.

Venus Williams

Before equal pay in tennis became a reality, Venus Williams was at the forefront of demanding it. Her advocacy led to Wimbledon finally offering equal prize money for men and women in 2007. As a pioneer for gender equality in sports, the tennis veteran set the standard for athletes using their influence to drive systemic change.

Arthur Ashe

Arthur Ashe was the first Black man to win Wimbledon, but his impact extended far beyond the court. After contracting HIV through a blood transfusion, he used his platform to challenge misconceptions about the disease, becoming a global advocate for AIDS awareness and healthcare equity. 

Through media appearances, he tirelessly worked to dispel myths surrounding HIV/AIDS and, in a lasting act of activism, founded the Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS to promote education, research, and access to treatment.

RELATED: 28 Days of Black History: Activism Through the Decades, A Timeline of Black Protests in America

Tommie Smith and John Carlos 

The 1968 Olympics produced one of the most powerful moments in sports activism: Tommie Smith and John Carlos standing atop the podium, each raising a black-gloved fist in defiant solidarity.

Smith, the gold medalist, and Carlos, the bronze medalist in the 200-meter race, kept their fists raised throughout the playing of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” in a silent yet resounding protest against human injustice.

Their defiance sparked intense backlash and nearly derailed their careers, but it also immortalized them as symbols of resistance and resilience.

Althea Gibson 

Often called the Jackie Robinson of tennis, Althea Gibson shattered barriers and made history in the sport. In 1950, she became the first Black player—male or female—to compete in the U.S. Nationals at 23.

She soon broke the same ground at Wimbledon and, in 1956, became the first Black champion of the French Open. A year later, she made history again, winning both Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals—then repeated the feat in 1958. Gibson didn’t just play the game; she changed it forever.

Maya Moore 

At the peak of her WNBA career, Maya Moore made an unprecedented decision—walking away from the sport she dominated to take on an even greater battle: criminal justice reform.

She dedicated herself to the fight for Jonathan Irons, a man wrongfully convicted at just 16 years old and sentenced to 50 years in prison. Moore’s unwavering advocacy, legal support, and public pressure helped secure his exoneration in 2020, proving that her commitment to justice outweighed any championship ring.

LeBron James 

LeBron James is not only one of the greatest basketball players of all time, but he’s also a champion for change. From opening the I PROMISE School for at-risk youth to speaking out against police violence, LeBron has consistently used his influence to uplift his community.

Naomi Osaka 

Naomi Osaka made headlines not just for her Grand Slam wins but also for her activism. During the 2020 U.S. Open and after the death of George Floyd, the athlete wore masks honoring Black victims of police violence, using each match as a platform to amplify their names. 

She has continued to push conversations on racial injustice,  athletes’ rights to speak up, and mental health. In May 2021, the four-time Grand Slam winner exited from the French Open, citing her mental health concerns. The star’s highly publicized break sparked a broader dialogue about athlete well-being.

Colin Kaepernick

Few acts of protest have been as polarizing—or as powerful—as Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem in 2016.

His quiet yet bold stand against police brutality cost him his NFL career, but it ignited a nationwide conversation about race, patriotism, and the role of athletes in activism. Today, Kaepernick remains a powerful voice in social justice, proving that a single action can spark a movement.