Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience: How Black Washingtonians Used Music and Sports in the Fight for Equality

Rhythms of Resistance and Resilience tells the stories of Black men and women in Washington, DC who confronted racial prejudice through sports and music.

In the nation’s capital, music and athletics have long played a central role in African American life, serving as measures of social conflict and progress. Sports clubs, ball games, jam sessions, and concerts provided not only entertainment, but also education, community, and moments of relief from the harsh realities of everyday life.

The book traces the experiences of musicians and athletes who used their talent, discipline, and determination to pursue success in the face of discrimination. Maurice Jackson begins with early pioneers such as James Reese Europe, who helped form the first musicians’ union and served with the Harlem Hellfighters during World War I, and extends the narrative to twentieth-century icons including Duke Ellington and Georgetown University basketball coach John Thompson Jr.