Temple University Athletics
Throughout the month of February, Temple Athletics will be celebrating Black History Month.
This year, we asked the question:Â What African American figure, past or present, resonates the most for you, and why?
Check back throughout the month for various Temple student-athletes, administrators and alumni answers.
Compliance and Student-Athlete Affairs Assistant
Besides my amazing grandmother, runner up will have to be Serena Williams. She is someone that resonates with me when I am going through hardships and good times. As an African American female, she has done the unthinkable in not only tennis, but also using her platform to speak up for women's rights. She carries herself with so much dignity, even after the criticism against her being "too masculine" and "strong looking" for a woman. Instead of becoming spiteful and bitter, she transformed that negativity into empowering women to unapologetically be who they are. She also uses her platform to speak out on the police brutality against people of color, and she never lets anyone put her in a box of just being a tennis player. Most of the time, she is promoting a healthy lifestyle (mind, body, and soul), being an awesome mom, perfecting tennis, and/or advocating on concerning matters. This is why I feel closely connected with the one and only Serena Williams.
Assistant Athletics Director / Business Operations
I recently had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. and I was able to see many notable figures of the present and from the past. Of the many stories I’ve heard, that of Mary McLeod Bethune struck a chord with me.Â
She became one of the most important black educators, civil and women’s rights leaders and government officials of the twentieth century. She grew up picking cotton daily and used what little resources she had to educate herself and others. She founded and served many organizations, including Bethune-Cookman University. She also served as an advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and was a business woman in her own right.
For her to accomplish this during a time when racial and gender inequality was prevalent is the reason why her story resonates with me. It lets me know that nothing is impossible regardless of circumstances.
Aisha BrownI would say the African American figure that resonates with me the most is Jackie Joyner-Kersee. She was an Olympic heptathlete and long jumper and she also played basketball before quitting to pursue her track and field career. I feel like I can relate to her because I play two sports too and also participate in field events. After her athletic career she became a philanthropist, dedicating her time to advocating for children’s education, health issues, racial equality, social reform, and women’s rights. This is inspiring to me because I would like to have a successful athletic career as well as a profession in the medical field where I can help others.
Temple Women's Soccer and Women's Track & Field
Head Women's Track & Field Coach
The African-American figure who resonates the most for is our 44th president, Barack Obama. He is a man whom I strongly admire.
As a black man, it filled me with pride to watch as our nation elect its first black president. What mostly impressed me about President Obama, was the way in which he carried himself. He always maintained a calm and grounded demeanor. I can only imagine how challenging it must have been during such a partisan and polarizing time.
President Obama’s qualities as a leader started from an early age as he organized events in his south Chicago neighborhood. His exemplary leadership skills were witnessed by leaders all around the world. I found him to be an upstanding communicator; both in his speech and written word.
Jovahn FairMuhammad Ali is a figure that impacted me in a huge way. He helped set an example for racial pride and standing by his beliefs to the point where he faced jail time during the prime of his career. Despite the risk he always voiced his opinion. He is important to me as a risk taker and standing for what you believe in. He didn't allow his success to stop him from making changes for those who are oppressed.
Temple Football
Women’s Basketball Coach
Dr. Martin Luther King is the African-American figure that resonates the most for me. His non-violent approach in the fight for civil rights, economic rights and racial equality amongst all people truly helped to inspire and bring about a change during the Civil Rights Movement.
And although his "I Have Dream" speech was given over 50 years ago, I do believe it is still prevalent in society today. Much has changed, but we still have far more to progress if we truly want to see his dream fulfilled.
