“African-American Athletes in Arkansas” & the AR Sports Hall of Fame
Posted: April 6, 2018 Filed under: Sports Sears Leave a commentCome visit Evin Demirel, author of “African-American Athletes in Arkansas,” before and during the Induction Banquet of the 2018 Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. He will sell first edition copies and collectible posters of his groundbreaking book, which Ronnie Brewer endorsed as:
“Really well written, informative stories about the Arkansas greats and people who paved the way for my dad, Almer Lee, Martin Terry and others.… It will speak to athletes, coaches and history lovers across the state and region.”
The groundbreaking anthology features stories on past ASHOF inductees like:
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Former Razorback coach Fred Thomsen, who promoted and oversaw scrimmages between the white Fayetteville Bulldogs and “Black Razorbacks” in the 1930s.
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“Dizzy” Dean, whose long standing rivalry/friendship with Satchel Paige broke down racial barriers in the Great Depression.
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“Goose” Tatum, who teamed with Lonoke County native “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to sign with and play for the same NBA team.
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Eddie Miles, an eventual No. 4 NBA draft pick whose superstardom at the all-black NLR Scipio Jones High compelled UA basketball coach Glen Rose to make him that program’s first black recruit.
… and many more.
Watch interviews with Demirel, a former Democrat-Gazette reporter, on KATV and
“Sports teaches so much about life—giving your best, the power of a team, unity and love. I wish America could live that way. I hope many more get to read this refreshing journey…. it’s a book every sports fan in Arkansas should read.”
— Ken Hatfield
“It brought back memories of growing up in a predominantly black neighborhood and the Arkansas School for the Deaf where my parents taught skin color blindness for 34 years. A really good read about African-American men, like my coach Eddie Boone, who journeyed through the state’s history and some of the steps they had to take for the next generation.”
— Houston Nutt
“If you are a sports fan, it is a great read. If you are into Arkansas sports history, it is a great read.”
— Wally Hall
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The Sports Seer 