Althea Gibson: From Harlem to Wimbledon
Black Is America
Before Serena, before Venus, before Coco—there was Althea Gibson. On July 6th, 1957, under a blazing London sun and in front of royalty, she became the first Black player to win Wimbledon. But her path to Center Court was anything but easy. In this episode, we step away from the track to witness one of tennis history’s most pivotal moments: Althea’s journey from Harlem’s paddle tennis courts to breaking racial barriers in elite tennis. The significance of becoming the first African American to compete in the U.S. National Championships. How her 1956 French Open win set the stage...
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Three Women, Three Races, One Truth
Black Is America
In this segment from Black Is America, host Dominic Lawson brings us to the starting line of three iconic races—three Black women in three different eras, each running not just against the clock but against the world’s expectations. Wilma Rudolph, who as a child was told she'd never walk again, shatters barriers at the 1960 Rome Olympics, becoming the fastest woman on the planet. Florence "Flo Jo" Griffith-Joyner stuns everyone with an unthinkable 10.49 seconds at the 1988 Olympic trials, setting a world record still untouched today. And in a race for redemption, Sha'Carri Richardson...
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Wilma, Florence, and Sha’Carri: American Women of Speed
Black Is America
Episode Description: In this inspiring episode of Black Is America, host Dominic Lawson takes us on a cinematic, time-traveling journey through the lives of three iconic Black women whose speed transcended the track: Wilma Rudolph, Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo Jo), and Sha’Carri Richardson. Joined by Olympic gold medalist Moushaumi Robinson, Dominic explores how each of these women didn’t just run — they defied societal expectations, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of Black womanhood. From Wilma’s battle with polio to Flo Jo’s fashion-forward domination,...
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The Legacy of Leadership from Fritz Pollard
Black Is America
Great quarterbacks aren’t just measured by stats—they inspire, steady the team under pressure, and make everyone around them better. That’s the kind of leader “Uncle Dougie” was, and it’s what caught the attention of Grambling State legend Eddie Robinson. But to understand Dougie’s place in that lineage, we need to rewind more than half a century to another barrier-breaker: Fritz Pollard. In this episode, we explore: How Uncle Dougie’s quiet strength and composure led him to play for one of the most storied HBCU football programs in history. The rise of Fritz Pollard—from...
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Doug Williams and the Quarter That Changed the Super Bowl Forever
Black Is America
On January 31st, 1988, under the bright lights of San Diego’s Jack Murphy Stadium, Doug “Uncle Dougie” Williams made history as the first Black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl. Across from him stood NFL golden boy John Elway—and a chorus of doubts that had shadowed Black quarterbacks for decades. The game couldn’t have started worse: a 56-yard touchdown on Denver’s first play, a 10–0 deficit by the end of the first quarter, and a painful knee injury that sent Williams to the sideline. But what followed wasn’t just a comeback—it was a seismic statement. In this episode,...
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Doug Williams: The American Quarterback
Black Is America
In this episode of Black Is America, we highlight the groundbreaking journey of Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. From his early days in Zachary, Louisiana, to Grambling State under legendary coach Eddie Robinson, to breaking barriers in the NFL, Williams' career is a testament to resilience, intelligence, and excellence. But Williams' path was anything but easy. Systemic racism, underestimation, and financial disparity sought to hold him back. Yet, he persevered, ultimately delivering one of the greatest performances in Super Bowl history. This episode...
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Black Is America Season 4: A New Era Begins
Black Is America
Social Media: Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook Leave a Review: Help us continue to bring these important stories to life. Black Is America – Where Our History Comes to Life. New episodes drop monthly starting February 7, 2025.
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From Oviedo to the Black Seminoles
Black Is America
Before he became a celebrated American hero, Sergeant First Class Alwyn “Al” Cashe was a kid from Oviedo, Florida—the youngest of ten, raised on hard work, family values, and a fearless spirit. In this episode, we trace the early life and influences that shaped him, from fishing trips and daredevil stunts to a father’s timeless lesson: “Whatever you do, do it like you’re putting your name on it.” But Cashe’s story isn’t told in isolation. We uncover the deep historical echoes between his boldness and the legacy of the Black Seminoles—descendants of Native Americans and...
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Dad Mode in Combat: The Heroism of Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe
Black Is America
On October 17th, 2005, during his second tour in Iraq, Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe faced the unthinkable. A sandstorm forced his unit off aerial patrols and into Bradley Fighting Vehicles along a dangerous supply route near Samarra. When an improvised explosive device tore through his vehicle, igniting its fuel and trapping his men inside, Cashe—already soaked in fuel—ran headlong into enemy fire and an inferno to save them. In this episode, we recount the minute-by-minute events of that night: The deadly conditions along the route to Balad Air Base. The devastating IED blast and...
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Alwyn C. Cashe: The American Sergeant
Black Is America
In this episode of Black is America podcast, delve into the inspiring story of Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe, a remarkable African-American hero of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Host Dominic Lawson narrates the gripping account of Cashe’s selfless bravery on a fateful night in October 2005. Learn about his early life in Oviedo, Florida, his distinguished military career, and the extraordinary courage he displayed when his unit was attacked by an IED. This episode not only highlights Cashe’s heroic actions but also explores the significant contributions of black non-commissioned officers...
info_outlineIn this episode, you will hear:
- Why Ledger Smith went to the March On Washington on roller skates
- Why Dr. King thought it was essential for Civil Rights to desegregate places of leisure
- Ledger Smith route from Chicago to Washington DC
- Why media was essential to the Civil Rights movement
- More about an unlikely ally in the Civil Rights movement
- The Children's March and Kelly Ingram park
Notable figures mentioned in this episode:
Martin Luther King Jr.
John Lewis
Mamie Chalmers
Bayard Rustin
A.G. Gaston
A. Phillip Randolph
President John F. Kennedy
Attorney General Robert Kennedy
President Barack Obama
The Black Is America podcast, a presentation of OWLS Education, was created and is written, researched, and produced by me, Dominic Lawson.
Executive Producer Kenda Lawson
Cover art was created by Alexandria Eddings of Art Life Connections. Credit for this episode's cover art: The Baltimore Afro American
Sources to create this episode come from The National Civil Rights Museum, History.com, The New York Times, The Baltimore Afro American, The National Museum of African American History & Culture, WAMU National Public Radio in DC
Scenes from United Skates are courtesy of Vice and HBO Documentary Films, a Warner Brothers Discovery Company.
Mamie Chalmers audio courtesy of Comcast NBCUniversal's Voices of the Civil Rights Movement
David Vann and A.G. Gaston audio courtesy of the Youtube Channel curated by Geoff Hiron (Note: The host could not locate the original source of audio)
"Beat It" is written and performed by Michael Jackson and produced by Michael Jackson & Quincy Jones for Epic Records.
"I'm On My Way" performed by Mamie Brown & Choir from "Lest We Forget, Vol. 2: Birmingham, Alabama, 1963 - Mass Meeting" from Smithsonian Folkways Recordings.
Audio of Martin Luther King Jr. courtesy of Martin Luther King Jr Research and Education Institute at Stanford University
Audio of John Lewis courtesy of the National Archives
Audio of President Barack Obama courtesy of BBC News
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For a full transcript of this episode and other resources, go to www.blackisamericapodcast.com. You can read our blog, leave us a review, or leave a voicemail where you can ask a question or let us know what you think about the show we may play in an episode. You can also hit the donation button if you like what you heard, which helps us to create more educational content like this.