The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersections of sports, race and culture, will present Dear Black Athlete, a collection of conversations with African American athletes, and civic and community leaders, on Sunday, February 11, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
The one-hour program, hosted by SportsCenter anchor Cari Champion, was taped in front of a live audience at the historic Sixth Avenue Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala. – the birthplace of the civil rights movement.
The speakers:
- Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays pitcher
- Anquan Boldin, retired NFL wide receiver
- James Harris, first African American to start at quarterback in the NFL (Buffalo, 1971)
- Jemele Hill, ESPN/The Undefeated writer/columnist
- Chiney Ogwumike, WNBA No. 1 Draft Pick in 2014
- Jason Reid, The Undefeated senior NFL writer
- A. C. Roper, current Birmingham, Ala., police chief
- Benjamin Watson, Baltimore Ravens tight end
- David Williams, Athletic Director, Vanderbilt University
The telecast will feature four primary segments – all focusing on the athletes and community leaders discussing the leadership role athletes play in the society, social justice and more.