ESPN Goes Black With “The Undefeated” (VIDEO)

It’s no longer February but that doesn’t stop ESPN from paying homage to Black History in a major way.

On May 17, ESPN will premiere “The Undefeated,” a series they describe as a “premier platform for exploring the intersections of race, sports and culture. We enlighten and entertain with innovative storytelling, original reporting and provocative commentary.”

The Undefeated isn’t a television show or new network, however. It’s ESPN’s forthcoming new content initiative, lead by an editorial staff compiled primarily of African American men and women.  Kevin Merida, Senior Vice President and Editor-in-Chief of the site describes The Undefeated’s target audience as African Americans and fans who want to understand black athletes better. 

On Monday, in anticipation for The Undefeated’s launch, ESPN released a new video spot titled “We Are The Undefeated,” featuring New Orleans shining star Dee-1.  “We Are The Undefeated”  is an ode to African American athletes who made history and represented the culture in a major way.

“We thought Dee would be perfect to introduce The Undefeated because number one, the brother can straight-up rap. He’s extremely talented on the mic,” said ESPN’s senior writer Jesse Washington. “Dee is also a basketball player, a sports fan who watches ESPN, and an insightful social critic with a deep appreciation for black history. I had been following his music since “50 Weezy and Jay,” and once we met, it was clear he was the perfect artist to create an Undefeated anthem.”   

Watch the video below. 

The Undefeated: Coming May 17, 2016.https://t.co/TiFwdnA87X

— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) April 18, 2016