Kansas City Athletics Announces Celebration of Black History Month
2/1/2023 8:00:00 AM | General, Administration, Athletics
Roos to Honor Black Administrators, Coaches, Student-Athletes and Community Leaders
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – With the start of February, Kansas City Athletics has announced its month-long celebration of Black History Month. Observing the importance of Black history, KC Athletics will feature spotlight interviews with Black coaches and administrators, video shorts from student-athletes on their thoughts on Black History Month and the recognition of key Black leaders in the Kansas City community at men's and women's basketball games.
"It is critically important to underscore the lived, and shared experiences of African Americans in this nation," Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin said. "African Americans have left an ineradicable mark in the elevation and advancement of this country. Using the platform of college athletics to celebrate this impact is paramount in sharing the powerful narratives of success, triumph and perseverance of African Americans in America."
The Black History Month Spotlight will feature segments from Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics Dr. Brandon Martin and various head coaches. The segments will illustrate the importance of Black History Month to their careers and how it can impact the lives of the student-athletes that they serve. The first segment, an interview with Head Softball Coach Stokes O'Connor, will run on the Roos Sports Network on Feb. 1 at 3 p.m.
The Roos will honor several key community leaders at various basketball games during the month. Heartland Chamber CEO Kim Randolph, Dr. Dred Scott, President of the Civic Council of Greater Kansas City and Chancellor of Metropolitan Community College Dr. Kim Beatty will all be honored for their dedication and leadership in the Kansas City community.
"We are honored to recognize prominent African American leaders in Kansas City that have passionately served our community," Martin said. "These individuals have been key advocates of change, growth and innovation throughout our city."
Throughout the month, student-athlete videos will be featured on social media as the Roos share the importance of their Black identities and what Black History Month means to them.