African Americans in sports focus of Ohio State discussion

COLUMBUS – Ohio State University alumnus and author Charles K. Ross will discuss
the impact that the National Football League had on the civil rights movement at 6 p.m. on Wednesday (2/11) in the conference theatre of the Ohio Union, 1739 N. High St. A panel discussion featuring former Ohio State sports figures will follow. The event is free and open to the public.

Ross is an assistant professor of Afro-American Studies and history at the University of Mississippi. He wrote “Outside the Lines: African Americans and the Integration of the National Football League.”

Panel members will discuss the challenges that African Americans meet in gaining coaching, administrative and ownership opportunities in college and professional sports. WCMH-TV sports reporter Mike Valpredo is the moderator.

Panel participants include former members of the Ohio State football team, including Columbus attorney and former Ohio state senator Ben Espy, who played during the midst of the civil rights movement; Columbus Public Schools Board President Stephanie Hightower, an Ohio State world-class hurdler and member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Team; Melvin Adelman, Ohio State associate professor of sports and exercise science and history; William Nelson, Ohio State professor of political science and African American and African Studies; and Columbus sports writer Jessica Johnson.

A reception and book-signing with Ross will follow.