Souled Out? That’s the question author Shaun Powell poses and ultimately answers with regard to the nature of African Americans in sports. Neither blacks nor whites — athletes, coaches, administrators, owners, media, parents, and yes, even fans — are without blame for race still being an issue in the athletic arena. And Powell, perhaps like you, is fed up with the excuses.

Now, some 40 years after the Civil Rights Movement set the stage for greater participation and integration of African Americans in sport, the complexion of the country's ball fields, gyms, and stadiums — though not owners' suites and administrative boardrooms — has been forever changed.

Souled Out? boldly addresses the following dilemmas and more: Do today’s African American athletes and coaches have the purpose to follow the leads of pioneers like Jackie Robinson, Althea Gibson, Robert Johnson, or Tony Dungy? Is Muhammad Ali’s great legacy being misused to justify the behavior of today’s prima donnas and their preconceived, self-centered celebrations? Why, with tremendous models like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Venus and Serena Williams, and Candace Parker, is black female participation not more encouraged across a wide array of sports? Are portrayals of professional black athletes, centered on gaining luxury possessions and material wealth rather than giving back to the community, ensuring that a me-first mind-set carries over to the next generation of athletes? Will more blacks break through the glass ceiling in coaching and sports management positions to achieve strong decision-making roles? Can negative attitudes about race, held by segments inside and outside the black community, be overcome so that faster and enduring progress can be made in the future? Powell’s answers will surprise, anger, please, and — most of all — challenge you.

Souled Out? is absolutely must reading for anyone sincerely interested in developments at the interface of race, sport and society. In this regard, the book clearly portrays where we are as a society and where we are headed as a nation relative to these issues. — Harry Edwards, University of California Berkeley

Here is what you get with Shaun Powell: thoughtful, considerate, provocative, original commentary. Souled Out? is classic Shaun Powell. He tells us where we came from, where we are today and where we are headed in his unique, straightforward ‘dare I say so’ way. — Jerry Reese, General Manager, New York Giants

Shaun Powell speaks the truth about how people felt on pivotal topics -- but didn't want to say themselves. This book will get you to think. — Curtis Symonds, Former executive at Black Entertainment Television (BET)

Souled Out? is a joy to read. Shaun Powell is the right man at the right time on the right topic—race, sport, and society. — Rick Telander, Chicago Sun-Times

Souled Out? How Blacks are Winning and Losing in Sports In Souled Out? award-winning author Shaun Powell pulls no punches in asking and answering tough questions concerning the state of African Americans' sports participation today. Sure to make you think, and likely to make you blink, Powell's work is unique in its objective, honest approach to this too-often polarizing subject. What emerges are an authentic picture and forward-looking perspective that challenge all of us to address the remaining obstacles to ensure that sports are equally accessible and rewarding for people of all colors. Shaun Powell’s work has garnered awards from the Associated Press and the National Association of Black Journalists, and he is former president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association. A highly sought after commentator on sports issues, figures, and events, Powell is a frequent guest on national and local radio and television programs. USA UK Canada

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Living Through the Hoop: High School Basketball, Race, and the American Dream When high school basketball player LeBron James was selected as the top pick in the National Basketball Association draft of 2003, the hopes of a half-million high school basketball players soared. If LeBron could go straight from high school to the NBA, why couldn’t they? Such is the allure of basketball for so many young African American men. Unfortunately, the reality is that their chances of ever playing basketball at the professional, or even college, level are infinitesimal. In Living Through the Hoop, Reuben A Buford May tells the absorbing story of the hopes and struggles of one high school basketball team. Their stories, and the double-edged sword of “hoop dreams,” is at the heart of this compelling story about young African American men’s struggle to find their way in an often grim world. With a clear passion for the game, May grabs readers with both hands and pulls them onto the hardwood, going under the hoop and inside the locker room. USA UK Canada

Shades of Glory: The Negro Leagues & the Story of African-American Baseball Celebrating African America's contribution to our great national pastime, this comprehensive, lively history combines vivid narrative, visual impact, and newly discovered statistics to recreate the excitement and passion of the Negro Leagues. Packed with stories, biographical essays, scores of archival photographs, and other evocative artifacts, the book is an important contribution to sports history and a fitting tribute to legendary baseball stars such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Martin Dihigo, Cool Papa Bell, and many more, who were shadowed by racial prejudice, but now shine forth in all their sparkling brilliance. Lawrence Hogan sets the teams and leagues in the cultural and economic context of the black experience and the communities in which they played, broadening the book's appeal to anyone interested in this fascinating chapter in American history. USA UK Canada

When Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI — and made history as the first African American coach to win the big game — millions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done? Quiet Strength

Most people associate Hill Harper with Hollywood. But he is just as comfortable in a school auditorium, rousing groups of students with his unique style of real-life wisdom. Having addressed thousands of school school students over the years, Hill is ready to take his message to a wider audience. Letters to a Young Brother

In 2004, James Blake's life was getting more perfect by the day. A rising tennis star, with each passing year his game seemed to improve. Each day seemed to offer a new milestone, a new achievement; he was leading a charmed life and loving every minute of the ride. James Blake: Breaking Back

Rapper 50 Cent is a hot property. He is idolized by millions of young men. For some teenagers he is the closest thing they have to a father; but what kind of a role model is Fiddy? His gangsta lifestyle is well known, but what does the man himself say about the responsibilities of fatherhood? 50 Cent: Father Figure?

After making headlines — and enemies — by becoming the first NBA player to come out, John Amaechi is trying to lose the tag of "that gay British basketball player". A project to give thousands of young people a better start in life may provide a different kind of legacy. John Amaechi: Man in the Middle