Nebraska Athletics will provide student-athletes, staff, and fans an opportunity to get involved with the celebration of African American (Black) History Month throughout the month of February.
"Black History Month is a special opportunity for us all to highlight and celebrate the many contributions and achievements of African Americans," said Dr. Lawrence Chatters, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Strategic Initiatives in Nebraska Athletics. "While we consistently celebrate all of our student-athletes, designated months like this one and others allow us to reflect on the progress that we have made not only in athletics but as a country. I encourage our fans to help us celebrate this progress through service and outreach in their communities."
The month will begin with the 8th Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit. Student-athletes will participate on Feb. 5 and athletics staff will gather on Feb. 6. The Summit has become a highly anticipated event in athletics that features speakers who share their experience and expertise to increase awareness through education. This year the Summit will feature two former Huskers, Dr. Jamie Williams and Dr. Frauke Hachtmann, and four current Husker student-athletes, Mya Felder, Micaylon Moore, Clara Colombo and Mo Mueller. Dr. Jennifer PeeksMease from UNL will share her knowledge of Inclusive Leadership and Learning.
Activities will continue with a planned outreach that will bring Husker student-athletes together with youth from the Malone and F Street Community Centers. This project is designed to provide youth the opportunity to learn more about Black History Month and influential leaders in the community. Husker student-athletes will visit the Malone Community Center on Feb. 7 from 4-5 p.m. and F Street Community Center on Feb. 7 from 6-7 p.m.
The Husker men's and women's basketball teams will each wear specially designed uniforms to celebrate Black History during a February game. These uniforms designed by adidas are meant to signify the idea of "Exploring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present". They feature symbolic colors including Goldenrod, the Nebraska state flower.
The men will wear a uniform to commemorate the first Black men's basketball player in Nebraska school history, Wilbur Wood, during their matchups against Penn State (Feb. 5), Wisconsin (Feb. 11) and Minnesota (Feb. 25). The women will wear the uniform on Feb. 9 against Illinois and will honor former Husker standout Dominique Johnson (Kelley). The women's game on Feb. 9 and the men's game on Feb. 11 will include a live performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing", following the National Anthem.
The monthlong celebration will continue with a private screening and discussion for student-athletes and staff of the newly released movie Till. This event will take place on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Grand Theater. Till is the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley's courage and determination to seek justice for her son Emmett Till.
Activities will conclude with a panel on Feb. 27 that is open to the public. The panel will feature Nebraska Senior Woman Administrator Marquita Armstead, former Husker Preston Love Jr., and current Husker student-athletes Micaylon Moore, Sadio Fenner and Derrick Walker. Panelists will reflect on their journey to Selma, Alabama where they learned about the Civil Rights Movement.
For more information on events and how you can get involved please email Dr. Lawrence Chatters at drchatters@huskers.com or Philip Carpio at pcarpio@huskers.com
