Critical race theory and intercollegiate athletics at historically black colleges and universities

Abstract

Prior to the 1960s, the sustainability of HBCU athletic programs was rooted in their unifying missions and interdependent relationships. However, following widespread assimilation efforts in the post-Civil Rights era, HBCU athletic programs suffered from the pillaging of Black athletic talent from the Black community to major Division I Historically White Colleges and Universities (HWCUs). Previous historical assessments of HBCUs’ athletic programs have confined their analysis to major historical events, the evolution of conference affiliations, and the attendance at various HBCU classic games. In this chapter, the authors utilized critical race theory (CRT) as an analytic tool to outline the multilevel challenges facing HBCU athletic programs within the structural arrangements of the USA and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). In an effort to improve the plight of HBCU athletic programs, the authors offer Ten Pillars for Active Engagement for Sport Leadership and Administration in Creating Athletic Organizational Success and Sustainability for autonomy governance as well as a secession plan as a pathway for success.