WASHINGTON – "Listen, learn, get off the sidelines."
This was the message on Wednesday morning to the entire Department of Intercollegiate Athletics from human rights activist
Dr. Richard Lapchick speaking over Zoom.
Lapchick brought his story and his message to the department in the wake of social unrest throughout the nation. He talked of growing up with his father Joe Lapchick who signed the first Black player in the NBA to combating apartheid to the recent spotlight on racism in sport.
The founder of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport also spoke on his time working with former Georgetown Men's Basketball Coach John Thompson Jr., as well as traveling to South Africa as part of an NBA initiative with Hoyas
Patrick Ewing, Dikembe Mutumbo and Alonzo Mourning.
Throughout his life, Lapchick has fought for racial equality and used sport as the vehicle for change. His words resonated with many in the department as Georgetown continues to work to improve its social justice space for all student-athletes.
Additional Resources
What They're Saying
"Today's meeting was a valuable learning experience," said Head Men's Basketball Coach
Patrick Ewing. "I learned even more about Dr. Lapchick's story than I knew before and the department gained insight on how athletics has a big platform in the continued fight against racism and social injustice."
"Dr. Lapchick is one of the greatest social justice warriors and human rights activists of all times," said Senior Associate Athletics Director for Business and Finance/SWA
Sharon Brummell. "I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to hear him speak about his involvement in apartheid and racial injustice. He refers to himself as 'a 75-year old white guy' which immediately grabs your attention, but by the end of his speech you truly know that he is an ally and has experienced what it's like to be on the other side."
"Listening to Dr. Lapchick's life stories of fighting for racial equality are truly inspiring," said Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs
Dan O'Neil. "It's a must for our society to allow everyone to not live in fear and feel equal."
"It was an honor to listen to Dr. Lapchick present today about the power sport has to affect substantial positive change," said Head Football Coach
Rob Sgarlata. "His life's work is a testament to the impact of listening and having the courage to act."
What a great opportunity to hear from Dr. Lapchick today," said Associate Women's Basketball Head Coach
Niki Reid Geckeler. "His passion and commitment for humanitarian rights and reform is admirable and he has found a way to use sports as an instrument for positive change, making him a huge influence for racial equality. The shared stories and experiences that he presented to the Hoya community was one of perseverance, hope and strength."
