Derrick White

Derrick White is a Professor of History and African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky. He holds affiliations with the Commonwealth Institute for Black Studies and co-hosts the podcast 'The Black Athlete Podcast' with Louis Moore. His research focuses on modern Black history, sports history, and intellectual history, particularly examining black organizational life in the context of civil rights, political activism, and institutional development.

White earned his Ph.D. in History from The Ohio State University. His work explores topics such as black college football during segregation, the role of the Institute of the Black World in the 1970s, and the intersection of sports with racial and social movements. His publications include Blood, Sweat, and Tears (2019), The Challenge of Blackness (2011), and co-edited Winning While Losing (2014). His articles span journals in history, African American studies, and sports sociology.

White’s research highlights how marginalized communities built resilience through sports and intellectual networks. His recent work emphasizes the cultural and political legacies of Black athletes and institutions. He actively engages in public scholarship through podcasting and social media, fostering dialogue on race, history, and activism.