In an effort to highlight little-known Black history facts, 网曝吃瓜 Associate Professor Dr. David Shabazz helped jumpstart Black History Month by discussing a novelty subject 鈥� Black Professional Wrestlers.
Dr. Shabazz, associate professor of journalism and acting dean, appeared on the WTVQ-36 High Noon program to promote his new book Pro Wrestling鈥檚 Black World Champions. The book highlights the achievements of Black American men and women in the world of professional wrestling.
鈥淲restling is part of American culture,鈥� Shabazz said. 鈥淓arly American presidents, including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, were well respected grapplers in their respective counties.鈥�
Shabazz believes the book makes an important contribution to Black culture. Since professional wrestling鈥檚 beginning until now, only 21 people of African descent have held the world heavyweight championship in a major federation such as World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Shabazz鈥檚 book profiles those rare champions which includes former NFL great 鈥淭he Big Cat鈥� Ernie Ladd and Dwayne 鈥淭he Rock鈥� Johnson.
The segment is available on .