In sports, there was a time when the participation of African-Americans in predominantly white competitions was often considered a form of protest in itself. Black athletes have endured many forms of oppression, carrying the weight of an entire race on their shoulders.

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In honor of Black History Month, Sporting News recognizes the Black athletes who said “enough is enough” by protesting Jim Crow laws, police brutality and racial inequities at the highest stages of competition to strengthen the fight for equality in America.

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