Tools and Strategies

Sports and Social Justice

Young girl wearing a Kaepernick jersey sitting in the stands waiting

Martin Eckert | CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Sports and athletes are captivating to young people and adults alike. We look up to athletes as our heroes, idols and role models. And yet, sometimes sports provide a negative example: a way not to act or behave. 

Throughout our nation’s history, athletes have taken stands on issues and made political statements, lent their names to causes they believe in and used their power and platform to speak truth to power. Their words and deeds have influence and impact. As a result, sports inspire teachable moments to talk with young people about identity, diversity, bias and social justice.   

Below is our collection of resources that focus on sports and social justice.   

Classroom Activities

Resources for Educators and Parents and Families