Game-Changing Athletes

Barriers have existed to deny people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. Some athletes, through their courage and class, have broken down the barriers that have afflicted our society, and sometimes affected greater social change. A superstar on and off the baseball diamond, Roberto Clemente overcame bias toward blacks and stereotypes that had harmed his fellow Puerto Ricans and other Latinos in all walks of life. He became a role model for Hispanics, and then for everybody when he died bringing aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.