Description
Book Synopsis: Segregated Charleston, SC, 1955: There are 62 official Little League programs in South Carolina — all but one of the leagues is composed entirely of white players. The Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars, an all-black team, is formed in the hopes of playing in the state's annual Little League Tournament. What should have been a time of enjoyment, however, turns sour when all of the other leagues refuse to play against them and even pull out of the program. As the only remaining Little League team in the state, Cannon Street was named state winner by default, giving the boys a legitimate spot in the Little League Baseball World Series held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. While the Cannon Street team is invited to the game as guests, they are not allowed to participate since they have not officially “played” and won their state's tournament. Let Them Play takes its name from the chant shouted by the spectators who attended the World Series final. Author Margot Theis Raven recounts the inspiring tales of the Cannon Street All-Stars as they arrived in Williamsport, PA and never got the chance to play for the title thanks to the bigotry and ignorance of the South Carolina teams. Winning by forfeit, the Cannon Streeters were subsequently not allowed to participate in Williamsburg because they had not “played” their way into the tournament. Let Them Play is an important civil rights story in American history with an even more important message about equality and tolerance. It's a tale of humanity against the backdrop of America's favorite pastime that's sure to please fans of the sport and mankind. This summer will mark the 50th year since the fans' shouts of Let Them Play fell on deaf ears and 14 boys learned a cruel lesson in backwards politics and prejudice. This book can help teach us a new lesson and assure something like this never happens again.
Details
Experience the powerful and inspiring true story of Let Them Play. Step into the segregated era of Charleston, South Carolina in 1955, where racial discrimination was deeply entrenched. In a state with 62 official Little League programs, only one had the courage to defy the norms and challenge racial barriers. Let Them Play tells the tale of the Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars, an all-black team, who dared to dream of playing in the state's Little League Tournament.
Against all odds, the Cannon Street team faced tremendous opposition as every other league refused to play against them. These brave young players had to face the bitter sting of exclusion and ignorance. Discover the powerful journey of the Cannon Street All-Stars as they defy prejudice, racism, and unfairness in their quest for equality in America's favorite pastime.
Written by Margot Theis Raven, Let Them Play sheds light on an important yet overlooked civil rights story in American history. This book is not just about baseball, but about the fight for justice, equality, and the resilience of the human spirit. Join the fans who chanted "Let Them Play" in support of these remarkable young athletes as they arrived at the Little League Baseball World Series held in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately, despite their triumphs, the Cannon Streeters were denied the opportunity to participate in the tournament because they had not officially "played" their way through their state's tournament. It's a heartbreaking tale that highlights the bigotry and injustice prevalent in the South Carolina teams during that time. Let Them Play is a wake-up call to never forget the lessons of our past and ensure that history does not repeat itself.
As we approach the 50th anniversary of this historic event, Let Them Play reminds us of the importance of equality and tolerance. It serves as a powerful tool to educate and inspire future generations about the power of resilience, unity, and breaking down barriers. Join us in spreading awareness and promoting change by sharing this incredible story with your friends and family.
Together, we can create a world where prejudice and discrimination have no place on the playing field of life. Discover the untold story of the Cannon Street YMCA All-Stars and their fight for equality. Let Them Play.
Get your copy of Let Them Play and be a part of rewriting history.
Discover More Best Sellers in Multicultural
Shop Multicultural
Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)
$4.99
Multicultural - Escape North! The Story of Harriet Tubman (Step-Into-Reading, Step 4)
The Creek: The Past and Present of the Muscogee (American Indian Life)
$7.55
Multicultural - The Creek: The Past and Present of the Muscogee (American Indian Life)
Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court
$9.99
Multicultural - Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court
Rosa Parks (Childhood of Famous Americans)
$7.99
Multicultural - Rosa Parks (Childhood of Famous Americans)
