This dissertation explores the role of blacks in the field of organized athletics. From the institution of slavery, to vocational education, to unequal educational opportunity, to exploitation for profit, the white ruling class has been successful in maintaining control of the lives and destiny of the black community, particularly in the field of education. Educational institutions are guilty of exploitation of the black student athlete at the expense of his education, and, in many cases, guilty of psychological genocide. It is noted that one area of importance in a discussion of the black student athlete must include the mass media. Many believe that racism does not exist in the area of mass communication. It is a proven fact that the black colleges suffer in many ways from lack of adequate news coverage of athletic events. On the other hand, the predominantly white educational institutions receive not only more than adequate publicity but reap monetary benefits from such television coverage as well. A major purpose of this dissertation is to assist in educating the black community regarding institutional and societal racism as reflected in the treatment of the black student athlete. (Author/AM)