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Race & Sports: It’s not just a game

It has never been just a game.

History tells us that sports fields, courts, and victories have never been colorblind or devoid of politics. History also tells us that that the story of race and sports didn’t start by taking a knee.

This month, KING 5 is starting a new conversation series called Race & Sports. We’re going to peel back some of the layers and explore the intersection of race and sports from various perspectives. We’ll start by talking with a few high school coaches from the Seattle area. We’ll also talk to local fans and former athletes.

David Leonard.
David Leonard

David Leonard, professor in the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race, is among others interviewed for the series.

“When we look at our high schools, and we look at what sports are available at our high schools, that reflects political decisions,” Leonard said. “That reflects the histories—the ongoing histories—of housing discrimination. That reflects which school districts are being funded. And those decisions have consequences,” he said. “We need to have critical conversations about race so that we can have conversations about inequality and develop programs that rectify these inequities inside and outside of sports.”

Find out more

KING 5 News

March 22: Celebrate WSU authors at Crimson Reads

Crimson ReadsThe published works of WSU authors will be recognized at the third annual “Crimson Reads: A Celebration of WSU Authors,” at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 22, in the Terrell Library atrium. Crimson Reads is part of WSU Showcase, the annual celebration of faculty, staff and student excellence. Refreshments will be offered during a reception open to the public. » More …

Oct. 16: President Carter part of U.S.-China relations gathering

WSU is among some 70 venues nationwide that simultaneously accessed a free, public, webcast conversation with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, including the option to send in questions via email, during the annual CHINA Town Hall at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, in College Hall 220.

The nationwide programming about China, offered by the National Committee on United States-China Relations, has been a featured event of the Asia Program at WSU for several years. The WSU Department of History is a co-sponsor this year.

Find out more in WSU News