Raise a Fist, Take a Knee

Race and the Illusion of Progress in Modern Sports

By: John Feinstein, Doug Williams

Narrated by: John Feinstein

Based on dozens of shocking interviews with some of the most influential names in sports, this is the urgent and revelatory examination of racial inequality in professional athletics America has been waiting for.

Commentators, coaches, and fans alike have long touted the diverse rosters of leagues like the NFL and MLB as sterling examples of a post-racial America. Yet decades after Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their fists in a display of Black power and pride, and years after Colin Kaepernick shocked the world by kneeling for the national anthem, the role Black athletes and coaches are expected to perform - both on and off the field - still can be determined as much by stereotype and old-fashion ideology as ability and performance.

Whether it’s the pre-game moments of resistance, the lack of diversity among coaching and managerial staff, or the consistent undervaluation of Black quarterbacks, racial politics impact every aspect of every sport being played - yet the gigantic salaries and glitzy lifestyles of pro athletes often disguise the ugly truths of how minority players are treated and discarded by their White bosses. John Feinstein crisscrossed the country to secure personal interviews with quarterbacks, coaches, and more, revealing the stories none of us have heard (but all of us should know).

Seventy-five years after Jackie Robinson broke baseball's color line, race is still a central and defining factor of America's professional sports leagues. With an encyclopedic knowledge of professional sports, and shrewd cultural criticism, best-selling and award-winning author John Feinstein uncovers not just why, but how, pro sports continue to perpetuate racial inequality.

“None of us are trying to make race an issue. Race IS an issue.” (From the foreword by Doug Williams)

©2021 John Feinstein (P)2021 Little, Brown & Company

Excellent job!

I thoroughly enjoyed this well researched and quite thoughtful book. I would highly recommend it!

Coach Goody

Very in-depth will definitely read more books on this subject you can learn a lot just listening

Eye Opening

I was aware that race was and still is an issue in sports. I’ve been aware of that since childhood, 50 years ago. What surprises me is how little it has improved. Feinstein’s many interviews provide a perspective beyond just the data. That’s what makes this book so good.

A Must Listen

This book is a trip through my sports life, from a different perspective. When one considers the other side it is hard to watch sports and not ask why. Why are there so few people of color and women in positions that can influence the greater country as a whole.? Please listen to this book with an open heart

Made me think

Sometimes we forget how things were not too long ago. This book gave me a different view on what it is like to be back in modern athletics. it will show you recent events from a different perspective and will enable you to understand the deeper issues.

Another Feinstein triumph

I’ve been a fan of John Feinstein for a long time now, and always enjoy his work. This is perhaps his most timely release of his career. Both illuminating and entertaining, if you have even a passing interest in sports, ‘Raise a Fist, Take a Knee’ should absolutely be on your reading (or listening) list.

Historical references that I was unaware of

Loved it….great book one of the best Christmas presents I received. Thank You very much

Not a good book for those who aren’t sports fans

Because I don’t follow any sport that closely, most of the names meant nothing and I couldn’t follow what was being related.