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Get in the Game: Exhibit at LBJ Presidential Library

Written by Russell Dowden on . Posted in Football, NFL FOOTBALL, TEXAS SPORTS.

(AUSTIN, TX)  The Fight for Equality in American Sports examines the intersection of social justice and sports in the United States.  The exhibition celebrates athletes who have broken barriers and spoken out for equality, both on and off the playing field.

 

Get in the Game begins at the turn of the nineteenth century by exploring the experiences of athletes of color in the early days of organized American sports and how those athletes contributed to the development of modern day athletics. “From Jack Johnson (recently pardoned by President Donald J. Trump) to Jackie Robinson and Billie Jean King to Jason Collins and Ibtihaj Muhammad, Get in the Game reflects sports as an indelible platform toward our ongoing quest for civil rights and social justice for all Americans,” said Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO, LBJ Foundation.

 

The exhibition continues through to current day, stopping along the way to spotlight athletes and events that have contributed to or changed conversations around issues of race, gender, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, and religion in the United States.

 

By connecting beloved sports figures and defining athletic moments within the greater context of American history, visitors of all ages will learn about the courage of these leaders and view current sports issues in a discerning light. An interactive social media wall encourages an ongoing conversation about equality in sports.  #LBJGetInTheGame

 

Exhibition highlights

  • Stephen Curry, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James autographed jerseys
  • Olympic Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad’s hijab, mask, and jacket
  • Michael Jordan’s first Nike Air Jordan Sneakers and others from 1985-2000
  • Venus and Serena Williams’ 2008 Olympic uniforms
  • Muhammad Ali’s autographed boxing gloves
  • Billie Jean King’s tennis dress
  • Jackie Robinson’s game-worn pants and autographed baseball
  • Jim Brown’s shoulder pads and autographed football
  • Jesse Owens’ diary from the 1936 Olympics in Berlin
  • Lee Trevino’s glove and hat
  • Negro League baseball jerseys and cleats
  • Black Fives Era basketball artifacts
  • All-American Girls Professional Baseball League artifacts
  • Colin Kaepernick and Colt McCoy autographed football

And lots more!

 

 Generous support of the exhibition is provided by The University of Texas at Austin.

 

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Exhibition on display at the LBJ Presidential Library, Featured, Get in The Game, LBJ Library