Book Nook - Sports Role Models Box Set

 Black athletes like Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali had significant impacts on American culture that went far beyond their chosen sports, and in his three-part book series, bestselling author Dr. Joe Hoedel highlights 30 of these extraordinary sports figures.

 

“Sports has a way of changing the culture of America,” Hoedel said.  “It’s important to remember the Black athletes who paved the way and to also appreciate those who are still impacting the culture today.”

 

Each chapter throughout the series features a short, engaging story about an athlete or coach who exemplifies positive traits such as courage, integrity and leadership — qualities that contributed to their success both on and off the playing field.

 

Hoedel tells the stories behind the stories, including:

 

·  Jesse Owens, the man who won four gold medals in the 1936 Olympics in Germany, delivering the first blow to Adolf Hitler and his delusions about a master race;

·  Jackie Robinson, who broke the color barrier in baseball and changed the way many white Americans saw Black Americans;

·  Muhammad Ali, who refused to accept the white man’s ideology — he changed his name and then refused to fight in Vietnam;

·  Arthur Ashe, who opened up the curtain on Apartheid in South Africa and forced integrated seating during his matches;

· Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio to win three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics and played a major role in ushering in Title IX;

· Magic Johnson, who opened up retail businesses in inner cities across America to make sure Black Americans enjoyed the same services as white Americans;

· Hank Aaron, who endured numerous death threats on his way to breaking Babe Ruth’s all-time homeroom record;

· Tony Dungy, who became the first Black head coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl victory;

· And much, much more.

 

Readers will recognize many of the heroes Hoedel profiles, including Barry Sanders, Simone Biles, Tony Dungy and Jackie Robinson. Other chapters feature lesser known Black athletes like Shaquem Griffin, who made it to the NFL despite only having one hand; or Najee Harris, who spent much of his young life in homeless shelters and is currently playing for the Pittsburg Steelers.

 

Each book in the series includes a mix of historical and contemporary sports figures; a healthy balance of men and women; and a diverse blend of race, ethnicity, backgrounds and perspectives. Cumulatively, the books cover 102 athletes, 26 distinct sports and many of the greatest sports moments of the last 100 years.

 

“There is something in these books to inspire all Americans,” Hoedel added. “Black history is American history. We are all better for knowing how society has changed because of these great American athletes.”

 

About the Author
 

Joe Hoedel earned his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. For 20 years he has served as the CEO of Character Development and Leadership, an education-based curriculum company. He has created two educational programs that are used in more than 3,500 middle and high schools across the country. He is the author of three books that highlight 102 athletes and coaches who exemplify positive character traits. Hoedel has spoken at hundreds of conferences in the past two decades. He is also a high school coach in Traverse City. He is married and has four amazing daughters.

 

For more information, please visit www.characterandleadership.com, or follow the author on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/characterandleadership), X (@CDandLeadership) and Instagram (characterandleadership).

 

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Sport-Role-Models-Box-Set/dp/173365268X/

 

Sports Role Models Box Set (Books can also be purchased individually)

Publisher: Character Development and Leadership

ISBN-10: ‎173365268X

ISBN-13: ‎978-1733652681

Available from Amazon.com and www.amazingrolemodels.com