Sports, Politics, and Resistance in the United States

February 2012

The Center for Sport & Social Justice’s inaugural event on February 15, 2012 featured sports journalist Dave Zirin speaking to a capacity crowd in the University Theatre. Zirin’s wide-ranging comments addressed the politics of race, gender, sexuality, and other issues of identity as they are contested in and around sport spaces.

Zirin also highlighted instances when athletes have used their celebrity as a platform to speak up about injustice and the incredible potential for positive change as a result of those moments.

"Dave Zirin gave one of the best talks that I have attended on this campus.  He was witty, intelligent, and best of all, a really good speaker!" - Pat Jennings, Professor and Department Chair, Sociology & Social Services, CSU East Bay

"Dave Zirin provided a unique perspective on sports and politics. His talk was insightful and informative. We liked that he went beyond the surface stories and statistics of most sportswriters. We really enjoyed seeing and listening to him in person and interacting with the crowd." - Linda and Daniel Masuko, Hayward Residents