Title: Inclusion and Diversity in Major Sports: NBA, NFL, NBA, WWE, USTA
Headings: The Growing Impact of Diversity and Inclusion in Professional Sports – Part 2
The Growing Impact of Diversity and Inclusion in Professional Sports – Part 2
Remembering Those Who Paved the Way for Diversity in Sports Organizations
Kenny Washington — Advancing Diversity in Sports in the NFL
Jackie Robinson — Advancing Diversity in Sports in MLB
Earl Lloyd — Advancing Diversity in Sports in the NBA
Althea Gibson — Advancing Diversity in Sports in the National Lawn and Tennis Association
The Importance of Being Bold for Diversity and Inclusion

Content: As a result, today, Kenny Washington can be credited with introducing diversity into sports organizations throughout the NFL. Legendary American football player, Kenny Washington
Jackie Robinson — Advancing Diversity in Sports in MLB
Jackie Robinson is well-known for the role he played in advancing diversity in sports organizations. In part, this fact can be attributed to the popularity of baseball as America’s pastime in the 1940s and 1950s. But it is also because of the incredible character, patience, and charisma Jackie Robinson possessed—and of course, his incredible talent. His first MLB game in 1947 resulted in 4 hits, 4 RBIs and a home run. Without question, Jackie Robinson’s courageousness accounts for the diversity in sports that would follow in MLB and other sports. But there were also notable men who stood up for Robinson and diversity in sports organizations. Specifically, Branch Rickey, president of the Brooklyn Dodgers, was the one to sign Jackie Robinson to a contract. Likewise, MLB Commissioner Ford Frick and Team Manager Leo Durocher also went to bat for the superstar. The efforts of these individuals in addition to Jackie Robinson’s perseverance demonstrates the boldness needed to introduce diversity in sports.