The African Americans in Sport Podclass

In this episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, Langston sits down with Molly Jensen, former D1 student-athlete and CEO of Afripods, the pan-African podcast hosting platform. Molly shares how her background as a goalkeeper at George Washington University shaped her leadership style, how Afripods is amplifying African voices across the globe, and why Africa’s audio-first culture is key to the future of digital storytelling. This is a conversation about sports, strategy, identity, and global Black innovation.

In this dynamic episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, co-host Dr. Alvin Logan Jr. sits down with renowned historian Dr. Frank Guridy—Professor of History and African American and African Diaspora Studies at Columbia University and Executive Director of the Eric H. Holder Initiative. Together, they explore the intersections of sport, politics, and protest through a diasporic lens. Dr. Guridy reflects on his academic journey, from studying Afro-Cuban resistance to authoring pivotal works like The Sports Revolution and The Stadium: An American History of Politics, Protest, and Play. Tune in to learn how Black communities have historically used sports to survive, build institutions, and create change—both on and off the field.

In this episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, we welcome legal scholar, IP expert, and blockchain educator Professor Tonya M. Evans—a Penn State Dickinson Law professor and author of Digital Money Demystified: Go from Cash to Crypto Safely, Legally, and Confidently.

From her roots as a tennis-playing undergrad at Northwestern to serving as Editor-in-Chief of the Howard Law Journal, Professor Evans walks us through her journey as a student-athlete and HBCU alum turned crypto legal powerhouse. We explore:

💡 The myths and facts about crypto 📱 How Black folks are already using blockchain—often unknowingly 🏛️ The legal implications of digital assets 🧠 Why professionals and student-athletes must be crypto-literate 🚀 The future of finance, FedNow, and the global currency shift

This episode is not just a conversation—it's a course in how to be financially fearless and digitally prepared. Whether you’re crypto-curious or crypto-skeptical, this is the one episode you don’t want to miss.

Note this episode is not intended to provide financial advice or guidance. 

In this episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, we sit down with sports business journalist Eric Jackson, whose career spans over a decade with bylines at Sportico, the Atlanta Business Chronicle, and beyond. From his roots covering high school football in Georgia and Florida to becoming a leading voice on the business of sport, Eric shares his journey, insights, and the behind-the-scenes complexities that shape the $500 billion sports industry.

We explore the shifting landscape of college athletics, diving deep into the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies—especially as they reach into the high school ranks. Eric breaks down how deals like the one between Playfly Sports and Mater Dei High School are redefining what it means to be a student-athlete and why “amateurism” in sports may be more myth than reality.

Eric also gives voice to the growing trend of athlete empowerment through media, reflecting on Paul George’s candid comments about podcasting, and why athletes—especially Black athletes—are often criticized for exploring opportunities beyond their sport. We unpack the tensions between traditional sports journalism and the rise of athlete-driven media, all while considering the future of sports reporting in the era of influencers and brand creators.

Plus, hear Eric's advice for aspiring journalists, career changers, and athletes transitioning out of competition. If you're interested in the intersection of sports, media, business, and Black identity—this episode is a must-listen.

📚 Each episode is a class. Each season, a semester. Join us in learning the lessons that shape African American experiences in sport.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, host Dr. Alvin Logan Jr. reconnects with his former teammate and longtime friend, Justin Glenn—Director of the Big W Club & Engagement Programs at the University of Washington. Together, they explore Justin’s full-circle journey from playing safety for the Huskies to shaping the lives of student-athletes as a key leader within UW Athletics.

Justin shares how sports shaped his early life, what it meant to grow up attending Husky games, and how his on-field leadership transitioned into impactful roles behind the scenes—from recruiting to player development. The episode also dives into the realities of life after sport and how Justin found purpose through community engagement and mentorship. Whether you're a current athlete, a former player, or someone passionate about athlete development, this episode is full of wisdom, gratitude, and Black excellence in motion.

​In this episode of the African Americans in Sport Podclass, guest host Dr. Ajhanai (AJ) Keaton, an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst specializing in organizational behavior within sports, engages in a compelling conversation with Jenna Smith, founder of Tantamount Sports Group. Jenna shares her journey in establishing a pioneering sports marketing firm dedicated to elevating athletes' brands and creating meaningful partnerships, with a particular focus on empowering female athletes through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities and professional sports. The discussion delves into Jenna's extensive background in sports management, her strategic vision for bridging the gap between athletes and brands, and her commitment to challenging traditional sports partnership models to create equitable opportunities for women in sports. Listeners will gain insights into the intersection of sports, technology, and emerging brands, and how authentic partnerships can drive brand growth and cultural influence. ​

In this episode, we engage in a compelling conversation with Dr. Louis Moore, a Professor of History at Grand Valley State University and co-host of the Black Athlete Podcast. Dr. Moore is renowned for his extensive research on African American history and sports, focusing on the intersection of race, sport, and society.

We delve into his latest book, The Great Black Hope: Doug Williams, Vince Evans, and the Making of the Black Quarterback, which explores the groundbreaking journeys of Doug Williams and Vince Evans in the NFL during the late 1970s. Dr. Moore sheds light on the challenges these pioneering athletes faced, including death threats and pervasive racism, as they broke barriers in a position traditionally reserved for white players. Their resilience not only transformed the quarterback role but also had a lasting impact on the game and American culture.

Throughout our discussion, Dr. Moore provides insights into:

• The historical context of racial segregation in professional sports.
• The personal and professional struggles of Williams and Evans.
• The evolution of the Black quarterback in the NFL.
• The broader societal implications of their success.

Join us as we explore this pivotal moment in sports history and its enduring significance in the ongoing pursuit of racial equality in athletics.

In this special Social Justice Olympic Summit edition of Entrepreneurial Appetite's Black Book Discussions, we feature a conversation with Dr. Joesph Cooper, author of From Exploitation Back to Empowerment: Black Males Holistic (Under)Development Through Sport.

About the author: Joseph N. Cooper is the inaugural Dr. J. Keith Motley Endowed Chair of Sports Leadership and Administration at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Boston. Prior to UMass Boston, Cooper served as an associate professor at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in the Sport Management program in the Department of Educational Leadership and Neag School of Education. Cooper earned his undergraduate degrees in Sociology and Recreation Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH), master's degree in Sports Administration in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science from UNC-CH, and a doctorate in Kinesiology with a concentration in Sport Management and Policy from the University of Georgia (Athens, GA). His research agenda focuses on the intersection between sport, education, race, and culture with an emphasis on sports involvement as a catalyst for holistic development. He is also the faculty founder of Collective Uplift (CU), an organization designed to educate, empower, inspire, and support individuals to maximize their holistic potential both within and beyond athletic contexts. He has presented research at international, national, and regional conferences and published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, edited books, and op-ed contributions. As a result of his research, he has been cited in various media outlets including the New York Times, Boston Globe, ESPN, Le Monde, ABC News, Yahoo, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education. He is the author of From Exploitation Back to Empowerment: Black Male Holistic (Under)Development Through Sport and (Mis)Education.

About the Book:  From Exploitation Back to Empowerment: Black Male Holistic (Under)Development Through Sport and (Mis)Education by Joseph N. Cooper addresses three major issues: (1) the under theorization of Black male athletes’ socialization processes, (2) the preponderance of deficit-based theories on Black male athletes, and (3) the lack of expansive analyses of Black male athletes from diverse backgrounds. Grounded in empirical research, this text outlines five socialization models of Black male holistic (under)development through sport and (mis)education. The five socialization models include: (a) illusion of singular success model (ISSM), (b) elite athlete lottery model (EALM), (c) transition recovery model (TRM), (d) purposeful participation for expansive personal growth model (P2EPGM), and (e) holistic empowerment model (HEM). Using ecological, race-based, gender-based, psychological, and athletic-based theories, each of the proposed models incorporates critical sociological insights whereby multi-level system factors (sub, chrono, macro, exo, meso, and micro) along with various intersecting identities and additional background characteristics are taken into account. In addition, historical, sociocultural, political, and economic conditions are examined in relation to their influence on Black males’ socialization in and through sport and (mis)education. This nuanced analysis allows for the development of a systematic blueprint for Black male athletes’ holistic development and more importantly collective racial and cultural uplift

Timothy Cole's journey from Brenham, Texas, to becoming a standout student-athlete at UT Austin is a tale of resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of mentorship. As he recounts his story against the backdrop of the historic hiring of Charlie Strong, UT Austin's first Black head coach, Timothy reveals how his passion for football and support from his father shaped his early life. His insights shed light on the unique challenges faced by student-athletes both on and off the field, emphasizing the importance of community support and personal growth as he navigated through pivotal moments in his academic and athletic career.

Transitioning from sports to academia, Timothy's path took an unexpected turn as he embraced entrepreneurship during his time at UT. With a keen interest in blending his experiences with innovation, he and his fellow former UT football players ventured into the creation of a protein donut company. This chapter of his journey highlights the power of seizing opportunities beyond the gridiron, leveraging skills learned both in the classroom and on the field to forge a new path in business. His story is a dynamic example of the potential for athletes to redefine their futures by embracing their diverse interests and talents.

As Timothy offers a glimpse into the NIL era and its implications for current student-athletes, he underscores the importance of building a strong foundation for life beyond sports. From the creative inspiration found in literature to the significance of fostering a personal identity outside of athletics, he encourages others to capitalize on their unique opportunities. By sharing his personal superpower of resilience and determination, Timothy inspires listeners to harness their individuality to create meaningful and sustainable futures, proving that there's more to an athlete's journey than the game itself.

Don’t miss this live podcast recording featuring Dr. Letisha Brown, author of the forthcoming book Say Her Name: Centering Black Feminism and Black Women in Sport. Dr. Brown’s work highlights the lived experiences of Black female athletes and activists, addressing issues like gender, athlete activism, and media representation through a Black feminist lens. This discussion will explore the unique challenges faced by Black women in sports and the broader societal implications of their narratives. Dr. Tracie Canada will take on the role of guest host, fostering a vibrant and thoughtful dialogue.