Social Activism in Sports

In honor of this year's Black History Month The Office of Multi-Ethnic Students Affairs, Rec Sports and Wolverine Wellness are partnering together to recognize and highlight black athletes who have exemplified social activism, advocacy and championed wellness in sports for people of color. Additionally, we will be recognizing athletes who have used their platform to make a difference in the world by protesting against the oppression of people of color that continues to burn through the sports and wellness world. This social media campaign will highlight individuals fighting against racial injustice and inequality, demonstrating social change, embracing social activism and taking a stand for civil rights.

Everyday at 12:00pm throughout the month of February we will share a post with a short bio of an athlete from a curated list created together by MESA, Rec Sports, and Wolverine Wellness Staff. Each graphic design consists of three unique colors. According to the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) more recently, the three colors on the Black Nationalist flag represent:

• Red: the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry, and shed for liberation;

• Black: black people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and

• Green: the abundant natural wealth of Africa.

We encourage university administration, faculty, staff and students to repost, share or join us this month as we celebrate and pay tribute to a small sample of African American Sports & Wellness. Please feel free to reach out with any questions about participating if interested.