This episode of The K.P. Wee Podcast features author, speaker, and former athlete Bo-Dean Sanders. In the '80s, Bo-Dean transferred from Cheyney University (the oldest HBCU in the U.S.) to Villanova to play on a majority-white football team. His book, Race Against … Against Race: My Journey of Diversity and Inclusion Through Sports, debuted in late 2020.
During the conversation, Bo-Dean shares a lot about his time facing racism in sports in the '80s. He begins by talking about his early relationship with football and how he wasn't exposed to diverse teams until at least his teen years. He thanks his upbringing for giving him the ability to empathize with the integrated teams he would eventually play for—especially at Villanova. He encourages listeners to embrace the fact that they can overcome any challenge thrown their way.
Bo-Dean also shares a story about the time he met Charles Barkley and the impact that had on his football career and his life as a whole.
Toward the end of the episode, Bo-Dean digs into the motivation behind writing his book, Race Against … Against Race: My Journey of Diversity and Inclusion Through Sports. He provides strategies for allies of those trying to advance the cause of racial equality, many of which are outlined in the book. He also applauds the work of current activists athletes who are continuing to move the ball forward, as he says, while acknowledging that athletes in the U.S. have "always done this work." He is thankful for the opportunity to be a spokesman of sorts for racial equality and works to build up the communities of those who are still disenfranchised around the country.
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About Bo-Dean (from his website):
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Bo-Dean and his siblings were raised by their single mother. He developed his values by attending his grandmother's Baptist church. His love of sports began while watching college football on Saturdays and NFL games on Sundays. Bo-Dean began his college football career in 1984 as a walk-on at Cheyney University, the oldest Historically Black College-University (HBCU) in America. He transferred to Villanova University to continue his college football career after Villanova, which had previously dropped football after the 1980 season, reinstated it in 1984. Bo-Dean acclimated to the majority white team and in 1989, earned his varsity ring and jacket.
To learn more about Bo-Dean and his book, Race Against … Against Race: My Journey of Diversity and Inclusion Through Sports, check him out at www.bo-deansanders.com
Twitter: @BoDeanSanders42
Email: info@bo-deansanders.com
About K.P. Wee:
K.P. Wee is the author of multiple books and a regular contributor to sports radio programs and websites. In addition to hosting The K.P. Wee Podcast, he also enjoys writing sports and psychological fiction with a twist of romance. He spent a decade working as a program developer and instructor for a private school before joining the Vancouver Canadians baseball club's media relations department.
Follow K.P. Wee:
Website: www.kpwee.com
Email: kp.wee.is@gmail.com
