Reference: Economou, P. Glascock, T., & Gamble, A. (2022). Black Student-Athletes and racism pandemic: Building antiracist practices in athletics. Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2022.2040650

Abstract: The year 2020 was filled with injustices, fear, and uncertainty that has disproportionately affected Black communities in the United States and abroad. From the unprecedented number of deaths inflicted by COVID-19, specifically on minority groups, to the horrific murders of Black citizens by those in positions of authority and power, the world was once again reminded that racism is still alive. Black student-athletes are among those enduring trauma that has been consistent over centuries and are contending with the chronic nature of systemic racism as it pertains to being a Black athlete within the world of athletics and their respective schools. Through grounded theory, researchers captured the lived experiences of 14 Black student-athletes through qualitative interviews to ensure that sports psychology practitioners and researchers are equipped with the correct resources, knowledge, and skills, to aid in the healing of Black student-athletes although also advocating for expedited social reform and representation within the realm of education, law enforcement, politics, and mental health services. Five key domains emerged from this study including Identity Development, Perception and Expectations, Mental Health, Privilege, and Systems. The authors offer best practices within each domain in an effort to develop anti-racist practices to be implemented within athletic institutions and beyond.

Article Link: https://doi.org/10.1080/10413200.2022.2040650