An Equal Playing Field (EPF) came about because of our founder, Rafael Ibarra, and his love of history especially the history of Civil Rights and sports. While he was researching the 1963 Birmingham Civil Rights Campaign, he read Section 597 of the Birmingham Black Codes. He just stared at the part in all caps “NEGROES AND WHITE PERSONS NOT TO PLAY TOGETHER.”
When Jackie Robinson burst into the national scene in 1947, Birmingham amended this section and added that “...It shall be unlawful for a Negro and a white person to play together or in company with each other of... baseball, softball, football, basketball or similar games.” At this moment, he realized that the stories of sports and Civil Rights can intersect and influence one another.
An Equal Playing Field is designed for students, athletes, and the general public who want to learn about the role of sports in the struggle for civil rights. An Equal Playing Field will provide a platform for current athletes to discuss and share what they are doing in their community to advance social justice by using their platform and voice.
EPF hopes to inspire current athletes and the next generation of athletes to use their platform and voice to make a difference.
Cultivate the interest of students, athletes, and the public about the intersections of sports, civil rights, and social justice by telling the stories of barrier breakers and unsung heroes. The goal of this website is to provide links, resources, and materials that can be used to inform, educate, and inspire.
Honor The Past and Inspire The Future
Hello, I’m Rafael Ibarra, the Founder of An Equal Playing Field (EPF). I am a Sports Content Creator, Videographer, Photographer, Historian, Documentarian, and Soon-to-be Social Media Specialist.
I'm a student at Mt. San Jacinto College pursuing a History for Transfer (AA-T) and Social Media Specialist Employment Concentration. In May 2021 I graduated from the Honors Enrichment Program (HEP). Aside from my academics, I am also the Social Media Manager for Mt. San Jacinto College Student News The Talon.
In 2019, my National History Day documentary, Birmingham 1963... A Year of Triumph and Tragedies won first place at the California National History Day competition. At Nationals the film was selected and shown at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The film was also selected to be shown at the Birmingham Sidewalk Film Festival as an outstanding student documentary. Over the past few years in college, my historical research has been focused on the intersection of sports and civil rights. This website is a reflection of my work and passion.
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