“More Than a Game” – Black Sports Figures in the 20th and 21st Centuries

This package investigates and celebrates the lives of Black people engaged in sports at a competitive level in Canada. Using the themes of persistence, social identity, respect, and community building, we will explore the contributions of Black sports figures to better understand the inner strength and perseverance they possessed to play their sports. Through a variety of activities, we will get to know these sporting juggernauts, their relationship to competition, and the pivotal roles they played to bridge communities and combat racism. We will share their stories, including examples of their struggles to be seen and heard, and their triumphs. We amplify these stories so that these athletes might assume their rightful place in the history of Canadian sport. 

This package was inspired by content explored in Episode 6, “More Than a Game,” in CBC’s Black Life: Untold Stories documentary series, and was made possible through the Black Life Impact Foundation’s educational and engagement initiative. It was written and developed by educator Tina Jagdeo, author of Bold School: An Inquiry Model to Transform Teaching. Guidance was provided by advisors Dr. Afua Cooper, principal investigator, A Black People’s History of Canada; Professor Handel Wright, director of the Centre for Culture, Identity and Education at the University of British Columbia; David Austin, author, Fear of a Black Nation; and Karen Murray, system superintendent for equity, anti-racism, and anti-oppression at the Toronto District School Board. Thanks to Anita Lessard at Filigrane Archives and Juan Bello at Triana Media for their work on visual research and clearances, and to the team at Power of Babel for French translation. 

Please note that this package discusses content, such as racism and discrimination, that some readers may find upsetting. We recommend that teachers read through all content before sharing with their students.