Keynote Conversation
Mr. Bob Kendrick and Mr. William Mattox
In this keynote conversation, William Mattox of The Village Square, and Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, come together to discuss what we can learn about building community, connection, and resilience in the face of adversity. The Negro Leagues, which rose from the segregation of Black players in professional baseball, were not just about the game. They were a bold statement for civil rights, offering a platform for Black Americans to showcase their talent, defy the odds, and push back against the systemic racism of the time.
However, the story of the Negro Leagues is complex. They offered pride, opportunity, and success for Black athletes, yet the eventual integration of Major League Baseball both elevated individual players and undermined the institutions that had nurtured them. This history reflects the complicated nature of progress, where gains in equality can also lead to losses in community.
Enjoy this recording of Bob and Bill’s conversation at EPN’s 40th Annual EPN Conference in Kansas City.
