VILLANOVA, Pa. – In late May, three Villanova student-athletes joined Assistant Athletic Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Director of UNITAS Leashia Lewis for the 2022 Black Student-Athlete Summit in Houston, Texas.

The three-day national event focuses on the development of Black Student-Athletes by maximizing their college experience through forums, panels and workshops for student-athletes and administrators. They also had the chance to network and learn from DEI practitioners across the country while delving into topics that emphasize the mental health challenges Black student-athletes face today, how to create a sense of belonging, holding coaches and leadership accountable for creating a culture of inclusivity, career development and communication through trauma.

Villanova was represented by Temi Ajirotutu (football), Lauren Amoo (rowing) and Tee Parris (water polo). Before they and Lewis took part in sessions throughout the week, they set the tone for their trip by visiting Freedmen's Town, a community where many freed Blacks migrated to after learning of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1865.

"Freedman's Town was a prominent town for generations and now is a town in desperate need of preservation and protection from gentrification," Lewis said. "Visiting Freedman's Town allowed us to experience and recognize the shoulders we stand on in our pursuit for justice.  It was also a call to action for our current and future generations to support the preservation and help to tell the stories of the people who built it."
 

For Amoo, a biochemistry major, this summit provided not just invaluable information but also a chance to make connections with other like-minded student-athletes who were gaining insight on how other institutions have furthered DEI objectives and missions on their respective campuses.

"There were so many networking opportunities that I believe would be of great benefit to other students," Amoo said. "Additionally, the summit was one of the first times that I was in the majority and was able to be heard by individuals with shared experiences. I think that any black student-athlete who wants to should have the opportunity to have this experience."

Parris, a Behavioral Economics major, noted how the interactions with different individuals who all chose the common path of being a student-athlete provided a melting pot of ideas and inspirations.

"I was looking for an opportunity to be a better leader for the Black Villanova community. A big part of that community is in athletics and it was important for me to collaborate with as many people as possible to come up with ideas on how to uplift this community," Parris said. "The summit represented an opportunity to do that. Black Villanova is heavily impacted by Black athletes. That is something I've always known. The summit taught me ways that Black Villanova and Black athletes could support and lean on each other. The more people who are exposed to this event the better. Again, it not only benefits the students who attend but also those who interact with them."

Lewis highlighted how affirming and reinvigorating the summit was, especially from the collective of student-athletes and professionals in attendance who were able to share experiences, lean on one another and gain affirmations for how they champion their student-athletes.

"One of the biggest takeaways which resonated throughout the conference is that our BIPOC student athletes are the centerpieces to the entire athletic enterprise" Lewis said. "Therefore, it is our responsibility to be champions of change for anti-racism, mental health, and performance both on and off of the field. Many schools brought up to 20 student athletes and multiple staff members.  It is my goal to invite more student athletes and staff from Villanova Athletics next year."