Brian Hallstoos
History professor at the University of Dubuque and author of the book about Sol Butler; discusses research on Butler's life, athletic career, and civil-rights significance throughout the interview.
Best podcasts with Brian Hallstoos
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Feb 17, 2026 • 60min
Brian Hallstoos, "Sol Butler: An Olympian's Odyssey through Jim Crow America" (U Illinois Press, 2026)
Brian Hallstoos, a history professor and biographer of Sol Butler, chronicles the life of an early 20th-century Black athlete-entrepreneur. He explores Butler’s rise from record-setting sprinter and 1920 Olympian to business figure in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. The conversation highlights Butler’s use of respectability, family networks, and fame to navigate Jim Crow and create social mobility.
Feb 17, 2026 • 60min
Brian Hallstoos, "Sol Butler: An Olympian's Odyssey through Jim Crow America" (U Illinois Press, 2026)
Brian Hallstoos, historian and University of Dubuque professor, tells the life of Sol Butler, a superstar athlete turned entrepreneur. He traces Butler’s rise from record-setting sprinter and 1920 Olympian to savvy sports promoter and journalist. The conversation highlights Butler’s strategies for navigating Jim Crow, family mobility, and the ways fame fueled his business and community influence.
