University of St. Thomas Athletics
Tommie Athletics to celebrate Black History Month
2/13/2024 10:00:00 AM | Baseball, Football, Athletics, Men's Basketball, Men's Cross Country, Men's Golf, Men's Hockey, Men's Soccer, Men's Swimming & Diving, Men's Tennis, Men's Track & Field, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country, Women's Golf, Women's Hockey, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming & Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Track & Field, Volleyball, Men's Volleyball
Programming sponsored by AA4C and SAAC will feature Dr. Yohuru Williams and local nonprofits
ST. PAUL, MINN. – The University of St. Thomas athletics department will celebrate Black History Month with a variety of programming throughout the month of February. Sponsored by the Athletics Alliance 4 Change (AA4C) and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the Tommies will host a discussion regarding the impact of athletics on the movements of equality and justice with Dr. Yohuru Williams on Tuesday, February 20. Additionally, St. Thomas Athletics will highlight local Twin Cities charities and nonprofits looking to serve the Black community in the Metro area throughout the month.
St. Thomas Athletics Black History Month programming is part of a university-wide initiative to honor the legacy of Black people, communities, and culture through a commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. In addition to the discussion with Dr. Williams, Tommie Athletics will honor Black History Month by recognizing local non-profits that support, emphasize, and contribute to diversity and inclusion in our community. These charities are Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), Reconnect Rondo and The Sanneh Foundation.
AA4C and SAAC will sponsor Black History Month programming in partnership with St. Thomas Athletics. These groups are comprised of student-athletes, coaches and staff working to build a sustainable structure to bring about change within St. Thomas Athletics. More information about AA4C and SAAC can be found on tommiesports.com.
St. Thomas Athletics Black History Month Programming:
February 20, 2024: More than a Dream: One for the Team: the role of Athletics in movements for equality and justice
Speaker: Dr. Yohuru Williams
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT
Location: Schoenecker Arena, the Anderson Athletics and Recreation Center
Admission: FREE
"More than A Dream: One for the Team" explores the pivotal role of athletics in movements for equality and justice. This lecture delves into the profound impact that sports have had in fostering social change, breaking down barriers, and amplifying voices in the pursuit of a more equitable society. From iconic moments in sports history that transcended the playing field to the inspiring stories of athletes who used their platform to advocate for justice, the discussion examines how athletics serves as a catalyst for social transformation. This lecture not only celebrates the achievements of athletes as they contribute to the fight for equality but also reflects on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the intersection of sports and social justice.
About the speaker:
Dr. Yohuru Williams is the Distinguished University Chair and Professor of History and Founding Director of the Racial Justice Initiative at St. Thomas. A world renowned speaker and author, Dr. Williams received his Ph.D from Howard University in 1998 and has appeared on a variety of local and national programming, including the History Channel, ABC, CNN, MSNBC, BET and NPR. He was featured on Ken Burns "Jackie Robinson" documentary, and his scholarly articles have appeared in the American Bar Association's Insights on Law and Society, The Organization of American Historians Magazine of History, The Black Scholar, The Journal of Black Studies, Pennsylvania History, Delaware History, the Journal of Civil and Human Rights and the Black History Bulletin.
St. Thomas Black History Month Nonprofit Partners
Northside Achievement Zone
The NAZ mission is to end multi-generational poverty in North Minneapolis by building a culture of achievement where all low-income children of color have the support they need to graduate high school and succeed in college, career, and life. NAZ will be the featured nonprofit at the February 29 men's basketball game against Omaha and will have a presence at the February 20 event with Dr. Williams. For more information about NAZ and how you can support, visit https://www.northsideachievement.org/.
Reconnect Rondo
ReConnect Rondo is an umbrella advocacy organization dedicated to restoring equity and opportunity in Rondo by leading a united effort in pursuit of one common goal–a revitalized African American cultural enterprise district connected by a community land bridge. Reconnect Rondo will be the featured nonprofit at a yet to be determined Tommies home athletic game and will have a presence at the February 20 event. To learn more about their efforts, visit https://reconnectrondo.com/.
The Sanneh Foundation
The mission of The Sanneh Foundation is to Empower youth, Improve lives and Unite communities. Sanneh empowers youth by supporting and promoting educational attainment through in-school and after-school support, improves lives by providing programs that strengthen physical health and social and emotional development, and unites communities by advancing diversity, equity and community well-being. The Sanneh Foundation will be the featured nonprofit at a yet to be announced St. Thomas home athletic game and will have a presence at the event on February 20. To learn more about The Sanneh Foundation, visit https://thesannehfoundation.org/.
