The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is set to release a groundbreaking book that captures the profound impact of Black athletes on American sports and culture. Titled *Game Changers: Sports Photographs from the National Museum of African American History and Culture*, this visually striking volume is slated for publication on September 17. As the first sports-focused edition in the museum’s esteemed Double Exposure series, the book features a collection of rare and powerful images that span over a century, showcasing the intersection of sports, history, and the African American experience.

A Landmark Collection of Sports Photography

*Game Changers* is an 84-page softcover book that presents 68 stunning photographs—57 in black-and-white and 11 in color. This volume marks the debut of images from the iconic Johnson Publishing Company Archive, now co-owned by the NMAAHC and the Getty Research Institute. The photographs chronicle the journeys of African American athletes from the early 1900s to the present day, encapsulating moments of triumph, struggle, and activism.

In his foreword, Kevin Young, the Andrew W. Mellon Director of the NMAAHC, eloquently states, “The Black athlete has long served as a symbol of excellence, a figure of change, and an image of the otherwise impossible. We soar when they do, we root for them even as we doubt; we win even when they lose, as long as the attempt proves as noble as the victory.”

Exploring the Historical Impact of African American Athletes

Organized into four thematic sections, *Game Changers* provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of African American sports culture:

1. Survival and Community Building (1900–1945): This section delves into the resilience of Black athletes who thrived despite segregation and societal constraints. It also highlights the role of historically Black colleges and universities, such as Tuskegee Institute, in fostering athletic talent.

2. Struggle and Breakthrough (1945–1968): Covering the post-World War II era through the Civil Rights Movement, this section showcases athletes like Jackie Robinson, who broke racial barriers, and others who used their platforms to advance social justice.

3. Disruption and Acceptance (1968–1980): During this period, athletes increasingly embraced activism, challenging the status quo and advocating for equal opportunities. Notable figures include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the trailblazing Debra Kay Thomas.

4. Innovation and Dominance (1980–Today): The final section celebrates the rise of Black women athletes and the continuing influence of African American athletes in social justice movements, with figures like Colin Kaepernick taking center stage.

Iconic Moments Captured Through the Lens

Among the iconic images featured are Jack Johnson’s legendary 1910 “Fight of the Century” against Jim Jeffries, Jackie Robinson’s daring steal of home in 1952, and the poignant moment of Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. The book also offers a glimpse into the personal lives of these sports icons, with intimate shots of Larry Doby teaching his son to hold a bat and Wilt Chamberlain attending class at the University of Kansas.

A Collaboration of Visionaries

*Game Changers* is edited by Michèle Gates Moresi and Laura Coyle of the NMAAHC, with contributions from an array of distinguished scholars and sports experts, including Damion L. Thomas, the NMAAHC’s curator of sports, and Domonique Foxworth, former NFL player and president of the NFL Players Association.

Published in collaboration with D Giles Limited of London, the book is priced at $16.95 and is supported by the Earl W. and Amanda Stafford Center for African American Media Arts, along with the NMAAHC’s Sport Leadership Council.

A Continuing Legacy

As the ninth installment in the Double Exposure series, *Game Changers* builds on the NMAAHC’s mission to preserve and celebrate African American culture. Previous volumes have covered a wide range of topics, from civil rights to fashion, and this latest edition is poised to be a must-have for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Since its grand opening on September 24, 2016, the NMAAHC has attracted over 11 million visitors, both in-person and online, making it a cornerstone of American cultural heritage. Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the museum continues to expand its reach with digital initiatives like the Searchable Museum, bringing African American history to a global audience.

For more information about *Game Changers* and other NMAAHC publications, visit https://nmaahc.si.edu/publications.