Advocating For Black Excellence

Changing the Narrative

One of the changes I believe would be beneficial is a deeper and more sustained effort to study black history in the school system.

In high school, we'd talk about black history just because it was "Black History Month," and those discussions only lasted for maybe a day or two. You spend a few days talking about Dr. Martin Luther King, but that's usually about it.

But what about all of the other influential black activists that pushed for change? It was the same thing over and over again every February.

I think education is very important, but it needs to be a permanent part of the curriculum to make a significant impact on society.

If you don't grow up talking about black history or understand the reasoning behind us having a whole month dedicated towards celebrating black excellence, then you don't really understand the history of America.

I truly believe education is a key component into changing the narrative and how society views black bodies.

Becoming an advocate

I've used my position as a student-athlete, in a predominantly white sport like softball, to try and educate my teammates, the athletic department, and staff on many of the issues going on in the country right now in relation to social justice.

The summer of 2020 was a really, really rough time.

I was one of three African Americans on the team that could relate to the things that were happening to black people. So I really had the opportunity to speak up on the issues.

Honestly, that sort of sparked something in me.

But transferring to the University of Nebraska and meeting the Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Dr. Lawrence Chatters, took it to a whole other level.

My coach introduced him to me in my first couple of weeks. 

I went in and spoke with him, and ever since that meeting, we've been in constant communication. He's played such a big role in the professional side of who I am.

His position is similar to what I aspire to do in my career. 

I just want an opportunity to be able to make a real difference, you know?

Dr. Chatters has been a great mentor and just an overall amazing person to have on my side for support. He reaches out and makes a real effort in sending me internship opportunities and stuff like that. Speaking of, I actually have an internship lined up with the NCAA — all because of his assistance. 

You can't put a price tag on having that kind of person in your corner, no matter the circumstances.

Even though Dr. Chatters' position is new, I believe it's a great thing that more and more institutions are implementing that role. It's huge having someone to advocate for different forms of diversity — whether it's gender, race, ethnicity or anything like that.

All schools, I believe, should have someone like that on their staff.

More than an athlete

As for my role right now, I'd love to advocate for getting more African American girls into softball. That's just something that's natural because it's very personal to me. 

Softball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.

I've talked to some of the younger girls in my hometown in Fresno in hopes of inspiring the next generation in some way. The world will continue whether I'm in it or not, and I just want to do whatever I can to make an impact right now.

I remember being that little kid and seeing an African American girl on the television screen playing college softball. 

That always inspired me because I thought to myself, "Hey, that could be me one day."

My dad also played a huge part in my upbringing. He would always tell me that as a black athlete, especially in softball, I'd have to work harder than my white counterparts to get an equal opportunity. 

I have also realized this in life as I have gotten older and began to pursue professional opportunities. My dad is one of few black male educators and he has had a major impact on my life and confidence as a young, black female.