Pellom Mcdaniels Iii

About the Author

Pellom McDaniels III is a distinguished historian and author whose work illuminates the overlooked narratives of African American contributions to American sports and culture. With a PhD in American History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, McDaniels has dedicated his career to uncovering the stories of Black athletes who shaped the nation's sporting landscape amid systemic racism and adversity. His seminal book, The Prince of Jockeys: The Life of Isaac Burns Murphy, chronicles the extraordinary life of the legendary Black jockey who dominated horse racing in the late 19th century, winning three Kentucky Derbies and becoming the first African American inductee into the National Museum of Racing's Hall of Fame. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, McDaniels not only resurrects Murphy's legacy but also challenges prevailing myths about race and achievement in American history. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Center for Research on Race and Sport at the University of Georgia, where he continues to advocate for inclusive historical scholarship.