I know of William Rhoden although I haven't read this new book. From what you've written, his premise is on point, however, with the stark difference in political/social activism of today's athletes vs. those of the 60s, 70s. Men like Curt Flood, who basically lost his baseball career in fighting for the right to be a free agent.
Jim Brown, probably the best NFL player in history, in the 60s, helped create the Negro Industrial Economic Union to assist black-owned businesses. Along with men like Wayne Embry, Bill Russell, Hank Aaron, they were really active in trying to take it to the next level, not just in athletic competition but in the community.
...but, hey, at least some of today's athletes make great shoe commerials.
