1956 +The Crimson White: Legacy Edition, October 2021

More documents

Recommendations

Info

4B The pride of The University of Alabama comes from its athletic programs. Thousands of fans, students and athletes travel to Tuscaloosa to experience Alabama athletic events. In recent years, some of the top athletes from Alabama athletic programs have been Black students. From former wide receiver DeVonta Smith to former gymnast Ashley Miles, the Crimson Tide has been home to its fair share of Black superstar athletes. In order for athletes like Smith and Miles to shine, someone had to plant a seed. But, who were the men and women who paved the way for the Black athletes at the University? On May 16, 1963, a federal court ordered the University to admit Vivian Malone and James Hood to Alabama for the summer term. Four years later, a Black football player, Wilbur Jackson, walked onto the field of what was then Denny Stadium for the first time. This started the domino effect that led to the integration and rich history of Black athletes at Alabama. In 1967, freshman Dock Rone sat across from Paul “Bear” Bryant and announced his intention to walk on to the Alabama football team. Bryant told Rone of the difficulties of making the team but welcomed Rone to try out if he passed the physical exam and was academically eligible. “I admire your courage, young man,” Bryant said to Rone. Four other Black students from Alabama joined Rone when he reported for the Tide's first spring practice on April 1, 1967 — Arthur Dunning from Mobile, Melvin Leverett from Prichard, Andrew Pernell from Bessemer and Jerome Tucker from Birmingham. The first step was taken. Rone became the first Black athlete to wear an Alabama football uniform. On May 5, 1967, Rone, Tucker and Pernell took the field in the annual Alabama A-Day game. Although their journeys at Alabama were cut short, these five men planted a seed for other Black athletes to grow from. Three years later, Alabama signed its first Black PLANTING A SEED: Black athletes who paved the way ASHLEE WOODS NINETEEN FIFTY-SIX & THE CRIMSON WHITE Athletes at historically Black colleges and universities receive less attention than athletes at predominantly white institutions despite being just as talented. The 2021 NFL draft was the ninth time since 2000 that no players were selected from an HBCU. In 2020, only one HBCU player was selected in the NFL draft. Athletic programs at HBCUs receive less national media exposure, funding and support compared to athletic programs at PWIs. The Southwestern Athletic Conference is made up of HBCUs in the Southern United States. SWAC games are broadcasted on national TV less than other collegiate athletic conferences. This limits the amount of national media coverage HBCU athletes receive. Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Cameron Konley has a lot of respect for HBCUs despite attending the U.S. Naval Academy. “I definitely think HBCU athletes are left out of the media spotlight,” scholarship athlete, Wendell Hudson. Hudson is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. Former Alabama basketball head coach C.M. Newton gave the slim, 6-foot-6-inch teenager the chance to make history in Tuscaloosa. Hudson said he “did not really have a clue what he was really doing when he came here from a historical standpoint.” To Hudson, it was an opportunity to play the sport he loved. Hudson let his talent on the court speak for itself. Hudson was named SEC Most Valuable Player twice in his collegiate career — in 1972 and 1973. He also led the SEC during those years. This impact was felt for years to come. By Hudson’s senior year, he was one of several Black players on the basketball team. In 1970, Wilbur Jackson became the first Black football player on scholarship. “[Hudson] paved the way for guys like me,” former Alabama point guard Kira Lewis Jr. said. “Without him, maybe I’m probably not here; maybe I am. More than likely I’m not here, so with him doing what he did, that’s a big accomplishment. Hats off to him.” The path for Black female athletes at the University was harder to pave. Soon after the federal government passed Title IX in 1972, the floodgates opened for Black female athletes. Title IX states that no educational institution receiving federal financial assistance can exclude a person from an educational activity or benefits on the basis of gender. That fall, The University of Alabama had its first Black cheerleader. Brenda McCampbell Lyons’ brother was already a student at the Capstone. She never thought about the legacy her time at the University would leave. “Growing up, I always liked to follow him and do everything he did, so I came to Alabama, just like he did,” Lyons said. Lyons started cheerleading during her junior year of high school. She didn’t consider cheering in college until she saw a flyer for freshman tryouts. A group of Black male students created a community to support Lyons and the other Black female students trying out for the cheerleading team. The men helped the women practice ahead of tryouts. All their hard work paid off. Lyons was named to the team and became the first Black woman to set foot on the field at Denny Stadium. Like the Black athletes before her, Lyons dealt with racism. At her Wilbur Jackson was the first football player to receive a football scholarship. He played from 1971 to 1973. Courtesy of Paul W. Bryant Museum LEGACY October 21, 2021 first game, the security at the gate wouldn’t let her in. “The climate of the time, I think many — especially Black students — knew that it was kind of what you signed up for,” Lyons said. “ Still, Lyons had a community of support around her at the University and at home. Her parents supported her because they knew how much she wanted to be a cheerleader. Similar to those before her, Lyons’ dedication to her sport set the standard for many who followed. In 1988, Dione “Dee Dee” Foster Worley was an accomplished elite gymnast. Foster was set to compete in the 1988 U.S. Olympic Trials, but an injury kept her from participating. The following year, Foster enrolled at the University and became the first Black female scholarship athlete. With the direction of former coaches Sarah and David Patterson, Foster became a force in the NCAA circuit. “Nobody ever showed up here with more determination to succeed than Dee,” David Patterson said. “She set her goals high, and then she went out and did it.” Foster was the star athlete in the all-around competition and a pillar of the dynasty Sarah Patterson built at the University. She set an NCAA record with a perfect 10 at five consecutive meets, was named SEC Female Athlete of the Year and was nominated for NCAA Female Athlete of the Year. Each of these athletes contributed to the winning culture that is synonymous with Alabama. They broke down barriers and created a tradition of stellar Black athletes at Alabama. Through their dedication to their sports, they created a long-lasting legacy at the University. It’s time to put HBCU athletes in the spotlight Pictured: Aniyah Smith Courtesy of Alabama State Athletics TIONNA TAITE NINETEEN FIFTY-SIX said Kinley. “Games aren’t often broadcasted on TV, and it is harder to get national exposure.” Only one SWAC game is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN this year. There are two SWAC games scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN2. “ The decision to come to an HBCU over a PWI as a big-name athlete will literally affect generations to come. NICHOLAS POWELL “ Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Will Richardson, Jr. said a lack of media coverage negatively impacts HBCU athletes. “Making it to the NFL is about exposure,” said Richardson. “One way I believe the media can help is by broadcasting more HBCU games on national television.” Despite the challenges HBCU athletes face, some athletes decide to transfer from a PWI to an HBCU. Some of these students have said there is a noticeable difference in the support that HBCU athletic programs receive compared to PWIs. Former Missouri State basketball player Dariauna Lewis transferred to Alabama A&M University to improve her mental health and connect with her roots. Lewis is second in the NCAA for rebounds per game and is a leading player of multiple categories in the SWAC. “A narrative that needs to be changed is that Black kids go to HBCUs because they can’t get into bigger Power Five schools,” said Lewis. “I transferred from a big DI program, so I am a walking example that we can get into bigger schools.” Former West Virginia cornerback Tacorey Turner transferred to Alabama A&M because he wanted a different cultural experience. “Give HBCU athletes more exposure like athletes received at my previous PWI,” said Turner. “HBCUs should also get more credit and attention in the media.” HBCUs are historically underfunded. The climate of the time, I think many — especially Black students — knew that it was kind of what you signed up for. BRENDA LYONS “ From 2010 to 2012, 61% of HBCUs in America did not receive their full state funding, according to a report by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. Underfunding makes it harder for HBCUs to get resources and attract top recruits. Alabama State University baseball player Jayden Sloan would like to see more top recruits make the decision to play at HBCUs. “Top recruits going to HBCUs will contradict the narrative that athletes only choose HBCUs because they didn’t have another option,” said Sloan. “I believe top recruits deciding to come to HBCUs will help bring in more funding for athletic programs.” Alabama A&M sprinter Nicholas Powell said he is excited to see top recruits beginning to choose HBCUs over PWIs. “It’s sad that athletes have to make the sacrifice right now to see HBCUs prosper in the future, but it’s extremely courageous of them,” said Powell. “The decision to come to an HBCU over a PWI as a bigname athlete will literally affect generations to come.” Pictured: Kevion Stewart Courtesy of Alabama State Athletics
LEGACY October 21, 2021 Finding Black communities in Tuscaloosa MADISON DUBOISE THE CRIMSON WHITE More than a century after the University’s founding, the campus was integrated. Even after integrating, Black students had to find community and resources on campus. Now, there are at least 16 organizations that specifically serve Black students at the University. ON CAMPUS Black Student Union The University’s Black Student Union was established in 1968 to help fulfill the needs of Black students across campus. Its mission is to establish and build better relationships and experiences for minority students on campus. The BSU serves as a liaison between minority students and school leaders in order to ensure equality and uphold the values of the Capstone Creed. Capstone Association of Black Journalists The Capstone Association of Black Journalists is a collegiate chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists. It was started to assist Black students as they navigate the field of journalism, especially after graduation. It covers a broad number of topics around the world. This organization is open to all students, not just minorities, and anyone who cares about preserving diversity in journalism is welcome to join. Future Black Law Student Association The Future Black Law Student Association was created to support aspiring Black law students. It shares resources for students to maximize their pursuits in the legal profession. Mentorship and support are priorities for the organization. The National Council of Negro Women The National Council of Negro Women has over 300 community- and campus-based sections that advance opportunities for African American women and the communities they live in. The council accomplishes this through research, advocacy, community work and programs in the U.S. and Africa. The NAACP The NAACP’s mission is to ensure equal rights for all, without discrimination based on race. The University’s chapter aims to improve the quality of life for all people of color on campus by ensuring inclusion and equality. Students Against Medical Racism Students Against Medical Racism educates students going into health care professions about disparities that minorities face in the medical field. Students work together to educate their peers about the causes and effects of medical discrimination. They work in the community and raise money to educate young students and others about systemic racial discrimation in the health care system. Project Empowerment Project Empowerment focuses on educating Black women on politics, but it aims to give all women of color a political voice. The project hopes to encourage high school and college students to become educated and promote political awareness. Women of Excellence Women of Excellence is an organization of progressive African American women who hope to foster a sense of excellence through education, politics, volunteer work and civic engagement in the community. This organization is dedicated to supporting young women as they pursue brighter futures through excellence. Alabama National Pan-Hellenic Council This organization is home to eight of the nine historically African American fraternities and sororities. These fraternities and sororities are committed to improving the community and the lives of students through community service and academic excellence. These NPHC organizations also organize programs and events to encourage the enrichment of cultural experience at the University. Dynamically Reversing Everything Around Me D.R.E.A.M. is an organization pushing for progress in education amid a climate of racial injustice and a lack of education on the history of minorities. The organization focuses on leadership training for middle school- to college-aged students, empowering others to serve their communities and bring attention to these issues. OFF CAMPUS Tuscaloosa Area Black Chamber of Commerce The Tuscaloosa Area Black Chamber of Commerce was created to assist in the development of African American communities and Blackowned businesses. The chamber hopes to ensure economic growth and the progression of African American contributions and advancements to society, particularly in Tuscaloosa. Birmingham Urban League Birmingham Urban League is an organization that assists all racial and ethnic groups, particularly African Americans, in pursuing and achieving social and economic equality. Through education, housing, jobs and health, they hope to empower communities and their members to change lives. Black Voters Matter Black Voters Matter is an organization committed to educating Black Americans on voting. They advocate for policies promoting voting equality and voting rights for all, as well as for policies that intersect with race, gender, economics and other aspects of promoting equality. 5B The Knights & Orchids Society The Knights & Orchids Society is an organization fighting for the rights of LGBTQ African Americans throughout Alabama and the South. The society pushes for equality and justice through community work. The Black Youth Project The Black Youth Project is a platform that highlights the accomplishments of Black millennials. This organization focuses on giving a voice to young Black Americans and shedding light on diversity across the country. Black Women’s Blueprint Black Women’s Blueprint is an organization dedicated to creating a safe community for Black women affected by sexual assault, abuse and incarceration. Through trauma healing, truth and reconciliation, reproductive medicine, and international programs, they hope to create a space where these women can grow. CW / Allie McGillberry
Page 1 and 2: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2021 VOLUME C
Page 3 and 4: LEGACY October 21, 2021 3A CW File
Page 5 and 6: LEGACY October 21, 2021 CROWNED 5A
Page 7 and 8: LEGACY October 21, 2021 Getting to
Page 9: LEGACY October 21, 2021 THE TRUE OR

1956 +The Crimson White: Legacy Edition, October 2021

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?