33 pages 1 hour read

William C. Rhoden

Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete by William C. Rhoden examines the paradox of black athletes' fame and wealth in contrast to their lack of true power within the sports industry, likening their experiences to those of enslaved individuals on plantations. Rhoden traces the history of black athletes, highlights their fight against racism, and calls for collective action towards equality.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

William C. Rhoden's Forty Million Dollar Slaves is praised for its incisive analysis of the systemic issues faced by Black athletes in America, highlighting historical and contemporary struggles. Some readers find its tone confrontational, potentially alienating, but its thought-provoking content and thorough research are widely appreciated.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Forty Million Dollar Slaves?

Readers who appreciate social justice, sports history, and racial dynamics will find Forty Million Dollar Slaves by William C. Rhoden compelling. Similar to The Heritage by Howard Bryant and The $40 Million Slave by William C. Rhoden, it offers a critical look at the intersection of race and sports.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Identity: Race

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice