Sportswriter and Author to Discuss Black Athletes as Modern 'Slaves'

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – William C. Rhoden, award-winning New York Times sports columnist and author, will give a free public lecture at the University of Arkansas on his book Forty Million Dollar Slaves.

Rhoden will speak at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, in the Arkansas Union Theatre. A reception will follow in the Center for Multicultural and Diversity Education, Arkansas Union room 404.

Rhoden’s book addresses the status of the black athlete in contemporary America. He begins with examples of slaves securing privilege and freedom through feats of athletic prowess and traces the history of athleticism and race from the early stages of athletic integration to the huge compensation and fame that athletes earn today. 

As the title of his book implies, Rhoden sees a dark side to the modern sports industry. He argues that black athletes have moved from the literal plantations of slavery to figurative ones today, which take the form of collegiate and professional sports programs.

Rhoden draws on his own experiences growing up on Chicago’s South Side, playing college football for an all-black university, and his decades as a sportswriter to help make his case.