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History through Film and Radio

OJ 30 Years Later

Each week, the library will feature a video or radio interview highlighting a specific African American athlete or athletes who played a pivotal role in breaking barriers.

The Intersection of Sports, Politics and Culture

OJ: 30 Years Later

Presented by Dr. Gary Gershman

Each week, the library will feature a video or radio interview (30 to 60 minutes in length) highlighting a specific African American athlete or athletes who played a pivotal role in breaking barriers and challenging societal norms in the United States. The program will examine the broader historical context through the lens of sports and will connect key moments in history with iconic athletes and events.

Using clips from the Academy Award-winning series OJ: Made in America, this session will tie together themes from previous discussions, examining how O.J. Simpson both embodied and challenged notions of the meritocracy of sports and the persistence of racism in society. It will explore how Simpson, who distanced himself from much of the Civil Rights movement, paradoxically became a symbol for many African Americans. The session will also reflect on O.J.’s complex legacy and what he represents in today’s cultural and social landscape.

Image: Don Cormier, Los Angeles Times - https://digital.library.ucla.edu/catalog/ark:/21198/zz0002vnqd

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