University of Delaware Athletics
Black History Month Recommendations from D&I Committee
2/25/2021 3:48:00 PM | Delaware Athletics
Black history should not be limited to the month of February. Our student-athlete Diversity and Inclusion committee has been leading ongoing discussions of acceptance, equality, Black history and culture all year long. Here are some resources they, and our coaches, recommend.Â
Adelina Rivera of Volleyball:
"12 Years A Slave is a great movie that highlights the hardships that a black man went through prior to the civil war. We see how Solomon got his life stripped away from him for 12 hard years. He fought everyday to remain alive. After 12 years, he finally is freed and united with his family. He lost 12 years of his life. He was born a free man and still that didn't matter to the slave owners. This is definitely something everyone should take time to watch."
RJ Wren of Men's Golf:
"Just Mercy explores racial bias and inequality in the U.S criminal justice system and is great watch on a true story of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson and his attempt to fight for justice for those who can not afford and are wrongfully committed and I highly recommend for anyone who wants to learn more of the systematic injustice that occurred in the past."
Chyna Latimer of Women's Basketball:
"Nappily Ever After is an inspiring movie that promotes self love stemming from black beauty. It encourages all black girls to love and cherish their bodies and challenges the stigma of beauty norms in society. This is definitely a must watch!"
Dejoun Lee of Football:
"Watch 13th on Netflix. "So many aspects of the old Jim Crow are suddenly legal again once you've been branded a felon. And so it seems that in America we haven't so much ended racial caste, but simply redesigned it." – Michelle Alexander"
Sydney Ross of Rowing:
"Moonlight (2016) is a movie on Netflix that examines systemic racism while also exploring sexuality. It's a great film and supports both the BLM Movement and Pride Month."
Jayla Jackson of Cheer:
"A series that I have watched is Dear White People on Netflix. This show is educational and important as it highlights the experiences of Black students at a university, while also showing different actions that non-Black people might say or do that comes off as racist or offensive."
Head Volleyball Coach Sara Matthews:
"One of my favorite books I read in the last month is How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. It is a very thoughtful and insightful look into recognizing your own racist tendencies and peeling away the layers to working on a mind shift. I also love that it is educational on systemic racism, pointing out racist policies, and how to be active in supporting Antiracist policies. If we are going to create change in our community and country, we have to start from the ground up...and that starts with ourselves."
Head Women's Basketball Coach Natasha Adair:
"They Can't Kill Us All, by Wesley Lowery is a great read because it gives real accounts around Michael Brown's death and of the violence and systemic racial injustices that we're fighting against. The more people read and educate themselves, the better they'll understand why justice and police reforms/education/training are so important."
