Black people’s accomplishments aren’t usually celebrated without creating some discomfort in the white cultural zeitgeist. There’s something about Black Excellence that often leads to knee jerk criticisms. From the complicated Jack Johnson, to the modern-day struggles of Serena Williams and Colin Kaepernick, this question in sports keeps popping up: why do Black athletes often have to fight for their humanity as much as they do for victory? This deep dive with Franchesca and Conscious unpacks the weight Black sports icons carry as they navigate notoriety, racism, and activism in a world that loves their talent but resists their truth.

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