George Washington University Athletics
GW Unveils BLM Courtside
11/2/2020 12:28:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, Women's Volleyball
Men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball to compete on floor that identifies Black lives matter
George Washington University's men's and women's basketball teams have begun official practices with a new feature on the main floor of the Charles E. Smith Center: a symbol on the court's upper right-hand corner demonstrating the commitment to Black lives.
"We believe that, along with our words and actions, it is important for our Black colleagues and students to see evidence of true support as we fight racist ideas and work to root out racism in our country," identified GW Director of Athletics Tanya Vogel.
The intention behind GW Athletics making this statement is to show support, understanding and a commitment to educating society on the historic plight of too many in the Black community. GW Athletics is not endorsing a particular movement or organization, but the simple principle that Black lives matter.
"When I was a child my mother and father cautioned me about the experience I would face as a Black man in America," said men's basketball Head Coach Jamion Christian. "Today I am educating my son about that same experience. I love our country, and I refuse to believe that the most powerful country in the world cannot be better. This is part of us standing up for one another and the rights that each of us are afforded."
This is an example of GW harnessing the visibility of athletics to take a stand against racial injustice. In recent months, the NBA, WNBA, Major League Baseball, NCAA and many teams and athletes have used their platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. The power fist in the emblem is a nod to Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos who took a stand against racism at the 1968 Olympic Games.
"We are proud to say that Black lives matter," said women's basketball Head Coach Jen Rizzotti. "It is imperative that we use our voices and our platform to condemn racism in its many forms. We will thoughtfully educate ourselves and each other on the Black experience in America. This will serve as a reminder of our responsibility in that effort, particularly for Black women who are sometimes left out of the conversation."
As GW Athletics strives to serve as a highly visible display of discipline and excellence, stating that Black lives matter is a start, but not nearly the end. As GW seeks to be a place of justice, freedom and peace as we engage with each other, the university is dedicated and committed to that process.
"We are committed to promoting and developing anti-racist and pro-Black communities," identified volleyball Head Coach Sarah Bernson. "This is from a place of love and conviction. We are dedicated to fighting for our Black colleagues that need to be heard and supported and especially for the Black students and their allies on campus."
"We believe that, along with our words and actions, it is important for our Black colleagues and students to see evidence of true support as we fight racist ideas and work to root out racism in our country," identified GW Director of Athletics Tanya Vogel.
The intention behind GW Athletics making this statement is to show support, understanding and a commitment to educating society on the historic plight of too many in the Black community. GW Athletics is not endorsing a particular movement or organization, but the simple principle that Black lives matter.
"When I was a child my mother and father cautioned me about the experience I would face as a Black man in America," said men's basketball Head Coach Jamion Christian. "Today I am educating my son about that same experience. I love our country, and I refuse to believe that the most powerful country in the world cannot be better. This is part of us standing up for one another and the rights that each of us are afforded."
This is an example of GW harnessing the visibility of athletics to take a stand against racial injustice. In recent months, the NBA, WNBA, Major League Baseball, NCAA and many teams and athletes have used their platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. The power fist in the emblem is a nod to Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos who took a stand against racism at the 1968 Olympic Games.
"We are proud to say that Black lives matter," said women's basketball Head Coach Jen Rizzotti. "It is imperative that we use our voices and our platform to condemn racism in its many forms. We will thoughtfully educate ourselves and each other on the Black experience in America. This will serve as a reminder of our responsibility in that effort, particularly for Black women who are sometimes left out of the conversation."
As GW Athletics strives to serve as a highly visible display of discipline and excellence, stating that Black lives matter is a start, but not nearly the end. As GW seeks to be a place of justice, freedom and peace as we engage with each other, the university is dedicated and committed to that process.
"We are committed to promoting and developing anti-racist and pro-Black communities," identified volleyball Head Coach Sarah Bernson. "This is from a place of love and conviction. We are dedicated to fighting for our Black colleagues that need to be heard and supported and especially for the Black students and their allies on campus."
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