This essay briefly discusses the primary themes that have characterized the historical studies done on blacks in American sport and is an attempt to consider the especial difficulties that academicians would probably face when writing on this subject. Past historical studies done on American sport have either excluded the black athlete, simply been a chronicling of black sport heroes, portrayed sport as being one of the most democratic institutions in America, or accurately analyzed the discrimination that black athletes have continally had to face. Those historians who wish to write on this topic should remember to show the relationship that invariably exists between black athletes and American society, must be aware that black athletes are not necessarily a homogenous group, cannot afford to engage in hyperbole about the accomplishments of black athletes, should be willing to confront ethical questions, and have to be cognizant of the humor characteristic of black culture. The people who are needed to write about the experiences of the black athlete in American sport are those with the proper academic training, those who are sincerely interested in seeking the truth, and those genuinely enthusiastic about the subject. The experiences of the black athlete deserves attention by the most accomplished scholars—whether black or white.