“American Exceptionalism” & The Role of Elite Black Athletes in Society

In this lesson, students will examine the central idea of American Exceptionalism as it relates to how elite Black athletes are treated in society. Students will engage in lesson activities to examine how American mythology leverages the idea of exceptionalism by highlighting specific individuals’ (like Muhammad Ali’s) exceptional experiences while perpetuating unequal conditions that uphold institutional racism. More specifically, students will examine how exceptionalism for one celebrated individual can be used to detract from the necessity to dramatically alter structural conditions, which would expand possibilities for Black Americans to thrive economically and socially. 

Students will reflect on why Ali, and other prominent figures, have been granted status and celebrated by the American public, only to have those same sentiments taken away. Students will analyze the key themes of American racism, white supremacy, and power. Select video clips from Muhammad Ali highlight Cassius Clay Jr.’s 1960 high school graduation, his rise to fame as an outspoken professional boxer, footage contextualizing Ali’s relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the 1971 Supreme Court decision that marked the culmination of Ali’s years-long protest against Vietnam War conscription.  

About the Author:

Andrea Heard (she/her) is a native of New Orleans and an educator of 11 years. After leaving traditional education, she began her own educational consulting firm which provides professional development for teachers and instructional coaches, works to write and revise curriculums, and specializes in the organizational management of schools, non-profits, and businesses. She earned a Master of Arts from Xavier University in 2016 with a concentration in Curriculum and Instructor/Teacher Leadership. Andrea is connected to the city’s pulse on education but believes non-traditional educational programming is what fills in the gaps. Andrea is a proud mom to her 16 year old son, an avid reader, and film lover.