Hi everybody,
I think the universe is ‘having a laugh’ because why is the episode we’re playing one week after I broke my ankle about…sports?!
TOO. SOON!
I jest! It’s fine!
In this week’s episode, I speak with Dr. Shaun M. Anderson, the Knight Chair in Sports, Race, and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill, who is on a mission to share how athletes increasingly use their influence for social change.
Our conversation comes a week after releasing a new collection of essays called ‘The Power of Basketball: NBA Players, Coaches, and Team Governors on the Fight to Make a Better America.’ The book explores how athletes have confronted anti-Black racism since 2020. One contributor, Washington Wizards guard Malcolm Brogdon, reveals that his mother asked him a critical question during a conversation after the George Floyd protests: “What Now?”
I mean…
I asked myself the same question during the Paris Olympics closing ceremony. As I listened to IOC President Thomas Bach urging the world to live the Olympics'" culture of peace every single day,” I wondered what living a “culture of peace” looked like in the world of sports, where athletes are regularly told to ‘shut up and play’ as they see—or suffer—indignity.
Dr. Anderson, the author of ‘The Black Athlete Revolt,’ answered that question in this episode of AudioDiaspora. In addition to helping me wrap my head around that question, we reflected on the impact of Colin Kaepernick taking a knee nearly ten years ago (I can’t believe that…) – and Dr. Anderson’s journey from ‘guy with a niche idea’ to thought leader on a critical matter.
But before we get to this week’s show, I’d like to share a few other happenings:
LISTEN: New Fiction Audio release: The Light Eater
Just in time for Halloween, check out this ‘The Light Eater.’ It’s a ghost story set in a logging town called Candela Obscura. It's a world of new cities built on the ruins of a land destroyed by evil magic. What could go wrong? 🎧 Listen here
COMMUNITY: Join the movement to support girls’ education in Ghana: Black Star Excellence
I’m a proud diaspora Ghana girl and a founding member of the non-profit Black Star Excellence. Join our movement to support future leaders from our home community in completing their education. $30 can make all the difference, but every contribution counts! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! ♥️ Donate here
Now, onto this week's show:
Dr. Shaun Anderson: Why I Share th’ ‘Rig’t’ Stories of Athletes Pushing For Social Justice
There's a growing movement of athletes who are changing the social justice landscape through protests, strikes, and promoting policy reforms. That's according to Christabel's guest this week, Dr. Shaun Anderson, the Knight Chair in Sports, Race, and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill.
He joins her to dissect the evolving role of athletes as catalysts for social change, honor the legacies of trailblazers like Tommy Smith, John Carlos, and Colin Kaepernick, and explore persistent stereotypes that challenge athletes worldwide.
Then, discover which sports leagues he says are leading the charge to advance social justice initiatives, hear why he thinks storytelling is vital to advancing the social justice conversation, and inspire change.
Then, he reveals the patience and tenacity he needed to nurture social transformation and how, by remaining steadfast, he went from the guy who had the ‘crazy idea’ to a leader in this influential space.
Connect with Dr. Anderson:
IG: @smandersonphd
Website: www.shaunmarqanderson.com
Learn how to connect with your audience through Editorial and Audience Strategies
Sign up for a coaching session with Christabel to discover the tools you can use to build a relationship with your audience through editorial development. Sign up for a session here.
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive advice from our guests and get our newsletter directly in your inbox.
Do You Like What You Heard?
Have you ever listened to a podcast episode and just needed more? We do! That's why we’re sharing exclusive content from our guests with you! It's available to paid subscribers.
FOLLOW US
Remember, follow us on Threads, Instagram, and TikTok: @audiodiaspora
Click here to get full access to AudioDiaspora.
Connect with Christabel:
IG: @christabelnsiahbuadi
Website: www.nsiahbuadi.com
