The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is set to publish its first book of sports photography, titled “Game Changers: Sports Photographs from the National Museum of African American History and Culture,” on September 17, 2024. This groundbreaking publication showcases the rich history of African American athletes from the early 20th century to the present day.
“Game Changers” features 68 powerful images, including 57 black-and-white and 11 color photographs from the Johnson Publishing Company Archive. The book highlights iconic moments in sports history, such as Jack Johnson’s 1910 fight against Jim Jeffries and Jackie Robinson stealing home in 1952. It also offers intimate snapshots of athletes like Larry Doby teaching his son to hold a bat and Muhammad Ali conversing with civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer.
NMAAHC Director Kevin Young emphasizes the importance of Black athletes in American culture, describing them as “symbols of excellence” and “figures of change.” The book covers a wide range of sports, including football, basketball, baseball, boxing, gymnastics, and track and field, exploring both amateur and professional athletes.
“Game Changers” offers insights into the lives and cultural impact of these athletes, with three essays providing context and analysis to enhance readers’ understanding of the photographs and themes presented. The book is organized around key moments in African American sports history, exploring the complex relationship between athletes, their sports, and their cultural significance.
As the first release in NMAAHC’s “Double Exposure” series, “Game Changers” marks a significant step in the museum’s mission to document and celebrate African American history and culture. The book, a collaboration with D Giles Limited, will be available for $16.95.
Since opening in 2016, NMAAHC has welcomed millions of visitors and continues to expand its reach through various initiatives. This publication further solidifies the museum’s role in preserving and sharing the African American experience in sports and beyond, offering a compelling visual journey through the triumphs and challenges faced by Black athletes throughout history.
Recall that the Smithsonian Museum returned a collection of bronze artifacts to the Nigerian Benin Kingdom in October 2022.
