NEW YORK – In keeping with the BIG EAST Conference’s commitment to BE the Change by leading, educating and inspiring others on racial and social justice issues, the Conference today announced plans to honor and recognize throughout the month of February the historical contributions of the Black community.
 
The Conference’s plans were developed in conjunction with its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Working Group, which was formed in 2019 to promote diversity, gender and racial equity and inclusive practices within the BIG EAST community.   The Conference’s DE&I strategic roadmap focuses on hiring, education and awareness and is designed to assist BIG EAST member schools as they build on DE&I efforts already underway on their campuses.
 
“We are very proud of the impact and far-reaching contributions of Black student-athletes, coaches and administrators to the BIG EAST journey, and we look forward to showcasing these important stories during the array of activities we have planned for the coming month,” said BIG EAST Commissioner Val Ackerman.
 
Black History Month is the annual recognition of the achievements and significant roles that Blacks have played in U.S. history.  Since 1976, every U.S. President has designated a Black History Month theme.  Keying off the 2021 theme of “Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity,” the BIG EAST will highlight the importance of family to its member schools and bring forward some less familiar educational narratives.
 
“The contributions of Blacks are often omitted from the history books.  The BIG EAST is illuminating its own history and taking pride in amplifying the significance of Black History Month in our league,”  said Tracy Ellis-Ward, BIG EAST Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer.
 
As part of the Black History Month celebration, each member institution will play the song Lift Every Voice and Sing, also known as the Black National Anthem, during one of its home basketball games.  On February 9, the Conference will also host a Conversation for Change with Claude Johnson, founder of the Black Fives Foundation. The Black Fives Eraspanned from 1904 through 1950 and provided opportunities for dozens of Black basketball teams to compete in the game of basketball prior to the racial integration of the NBA.
 
February will also mark the opening of nominations for the Conference’s inaugural John Thompson Jr. Award. The award was established in the fall of 2020 to honor Georgetown’s late, legendary Hall of Fame basketball coach and recognize significant efforts to fight prejudice and discrimination and advance positive societal change.  The award will annually honor a BIG EAST athletics department, team or individual. 
 
The month will conclude with the recognition of noteworthy BIG EAST Black Alumni from each of the Conference’s 11 member schools who have broken barriers, been trailblazers and have noteworthy life experiences to share.
 
Fans can follow all of the BIG EAST Black History Month initiatives on Twitter and Instagram at  @BIGEAST or www.bigeast.com/BHM.