On April 12, 2025, William Rhoden, a legendary American sports journalist, will be inducted into the Black Sports Writer Hall of Fame at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
With a career spanning nearly two decades, Rhoden's contributions to sports journalism, history, and advocacy have made him one of the most respected voices in the industry. As a sports columnist for multiple renowned platforms, including ESPN, Anscape, and Ebony, Rhoden’s impact reaches far beyond the written word.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1950, Bill Rhoden's passion for sports was ignited by his father, and his early experiences watching games opened his eyes to the pervasive racism that existed in the world of athletics. These formative years shaped not only his love for sports but also his determination to address racial injustice in the field. Rhoden attended Morgan State University, where his athletic journey took him to Yankee Stadium for his first game. However, it was his experiences as an athlete that exposed him to discrimination, a theme that would dominate his career in sports journalism.
Upon graduating, Rhoden did not immediately pursue a career in sports journalism. Instead, he worked at The Baltimore Afro-American, covering city hall and education. However, his passion for sports remained strong, and under the mentorship of Sam Lacey—a trailblazer for African American sports journalism—Rhoden began to make his mark in the field. As Rhoden reflects, “Sam laid the groundwork for me, showing me not just the craft of journalism, but the responsibility of using this platform to elevate underrepresented voices and highlight the complexities of race in sports.”
In 1982, Rhoden joined The New York Times Magazine as the editor of the Weekend Review Section. His background in college sports led him to transition to covering high school and college athletics. This remarkable move set the stage for his long and illustrious career, with contributions to some of the most respected publications in journalism, including The New York Times, ESPN, The Baltimore Sun, and Ebony. One of Rhoden’s most notable achievements is his groundbreaking book, Forty Million Dollar Slaves, which explored the intersection of race, class, and athletes. The book resonated deeply with almost two million readers and drew powerful parallels between Black athletes' experiences and the historical exploitation of Black people during slavery. Rhoden’s writings continue to address not only the triumphs but also the social challenges that athletes face, particularly Black quarterbacks.
Beyond his work as a journalist, Rhoden is deeply invested in empowering the next generation of sports journalists. Through the Rhoden Fellowship, a year-long program designed to equip journalists of color with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in the industry, Rhoden is shaping the future of sports reporting. Fellows of the program have gone on to cover major events such as the NCAA Final Four and the NFL Draft, with many securing positions at major media outlets like ESPN. One of Rhoden’s former fellows, Kamryn, shares, xxxxxxxx
Even as he continues to break new ground, Bill Rhoden remains committed to his roots, always returning to the ideals of mentorship, advocacy, and representation that have defined his legendary career. Rhoden’s legacy is not just about the stories he tells, but about the stories he enables others to tell. His work will continue to inspire as he is inducted into the Hall of Fame of Black Sports Writers at North Carolina A&T.
Rhoden’s legacy is not just about the stories he tells, but about the stories he enables others to tell. His work will continue to inspire as he is inducted into the Hall of Fame of Black Sports Writers at North Carolina A&T.