Forty Million Dollar Slaves: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of the Black Athlete

In this book, William C. Rhoden delves into the historical and contemporary issues faced by black athletes in professional sports.

He argues that despite their significant financial earnings, these athletes often lack genuine power and influence.

Rhoden chronicles the journey from the days of slavery and segregation to the present, highlighting key figures such as Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, and Michael Jordan.

He also discusses the commercialization of sports and how it affects the social and economic status of black athletes, noting that while they generate billions of dollars, very little of this wealth returns to their communities or translates into meaningful social change.