Sport remains one of the most integrated institutions in American life

Evidence

While it may not be perfect, sport is also an unparalleled institutional site of accomplishment for African Americans and remains one of the most integrated institutions in American life. … This distinctive cultural style has obviously been useful in terms of its market value, but it is more significant still, in theoretical terms, for its capacity to inspire productive, creative labor among African-American young people living in otherwise alienating and disadvantaged circumstances (see Wacquant, 1992; Dyson, 1993; and especially Kelley, 1997). — David Theo Goldberg, John Solomos, A Companion to Racial and Ethnic Studies, 2776