Time is running out to see an exhibit that celebrates the achievements of LGBTQ and other marginalized athletes who overcame bigotry, racism, and other barriers to competing.
The National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Ga. has extended its Breaking Barriers: Sports for Change exhibit through Spring, due to popular demand. Among the athletes being paid tribute are Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Michael Sam, Muhammad Ali, Jackie Robinson, Venus Williams, Jesse Owens, Patricio Manuel and Chris Mosier — our 2016 Outsports Person of the Year — among others.
Mosier tweeted a photo of himself at the museum last week.
Totally surreal & unbelievable experience to see this in the National Center for Civil and Human Rights – to be next to my childhood heroes (like Tommy Smith & @DrJohnCarlos, Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Ali)… I have no words. Only tears. 😭#NCAAInclusion #transathlete pic.twitter.com/l1SyVX9a6X
— The Chris Mosier (@TheChrisMosier) April 27, 2019
“Totally surreal and unbelievable experience to see this in the National Center for Civil and Human Rights,” Mosier tweeted. “To be next to my childhood heroes (like Tommie Smith and Dr. John Carlos, Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Ali)… I have no words. Only tears.”
Actress Laverne Cox tagged Outsports in a tweet, congratulating Mosier.
Congrats darling
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) April 27, 2019
The exhibit launched in 2016 with support from ESPN. In addition to appearing in Atlanta, the displays have gone on a nationwide tour, including to the Super Bowl since 2017. The center has also hosted conversations with athletes including trans boxer Patricio Manuel.
“Not only does that make Patricio Manuel the first transgender boxer to compete in a pro fight, it makes him the first transgender boxer to win”
— Minky Worden (@MinkysHighjinks) January 23, 2019
Read about history-making, stereotype-shattering athlete speaking today @Ctr4CHR launch of #BreakingBarriershttps://t.co/EjkkjIzGNl pic.twitter.com/BuKStvOOX2
Joining Manuel at the center for just such a conversation this past January were Layshia Clarendon of the Connecticut Sun — Outsports female hero of the year in 2015 — and the first out NFL player to be drafted, Michael Sam.
Here at @Ctr4CHR for the Breaking Barriers Sports Panel including @MichaelSam52 @Layshiac, Pat Manuel and Phaidra Knight. pic.twitter.com/XBjE6ETewL
— Anfernee Patterson (@anfpat_) January 23, 2019
Sam, who has been back in the news of late, telling tales of feeling used, weighed in on the Colin Kaepernick controversy at that event in January 2019.
@MichaelSam52 pays respect to @Kaepernick7 for his work here at @Ctr4CHR Breaking Barriers: Sports For Change Panel#Sports4Change pic.twitter.com/vcL8fU3G72
— Anfernee Patterson (@anfpat_) January 24, 2019
Kyle Korver of the Utah Jazz is an ally against racism, who was singled out by the center for an inspiring op-ed he wrote about white privilege.
"This feels like a moment to draw a line in the sand. I believe that what’s happening to people of color in this country— right now, in 2019 —is wrong."
— National Center for Civil and Human Rights (@Ctr4CHR) April 9, 2019
See how athletes like @KyleKorver are catalysts for change in our Breaking Barriers exhibit this Spring! #Sports4Change https://t.co/PI6JirUtTZ
Other athletes of prominence include tennis legend Billie Jean King and former Olympian Tommie Smith.
Start your day with tennis legend, Billie Jean King discussing social justice in sports. Watch here: https://t.co/iCsglVrz8i
— National Center for Civil and Human Rights (@Ctr4CHR) August 5, 2018
Don't forget, Saturday Olympian Dr. Tommie Smith visits us: https://t.co/puac8B6QLw #SundaySparks #Breaking Barriers #livethelegacy #getcentered
Arthur Ashe is memorialized in another wing of the museum as well, where an AIDS Quilt hangs in his honor.
If you like "Breaking Barriers: Sports for Change," see the #AIDSMemorialQuilt panels honoring tennis star Arthur Ashe and football star Jerry Smith in our Human Rights Gallery.
— National Center for Civil and Human Rights (@Ctr4CHR) April 9, 2019
See both exhibits at The Center now: https://t.co/w3rELCLED7#Sports4Change pic.twitter.com/VrLJeLN7Z7
Next up at the center: it’s hosting a symposium focusing on transgender housing, employment and healthcare next month:
It's time for the 3rd Annual @lgbtq_institute Symposium! Explore tangible ways to create equity for transgender people in housing, employment, and healthcare.
— National Center for Civil and Human Rights (@Ctr4CHR) April 28, 2019
Register for this FREE event May 11 at The Center here: https://t.co/tKhYdHy7yZ #LGBTQResearch #TransVoicesMatter pic.twitter.com/h7EFuEbxmz
For information about the Center for Civil and Human Rights, click here or follow them on Twitter.
