WASHINGTON – Following the unjust death of George Floyd which sparked nationwide protests, Francis X. Rienzo Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Lee Reed was one of more than 50 Black athletics directors to form the Black AD Alliance. This announcement completes a meaningful month for the entire department that has been filled with learning and growth as student-athletes, coaches and staff began to understand what the Black members of the department feel on a daily basis.
The mission statement for the Black AD Alliance promotes the growth, development and elevation of Black athletics administrators at the Division I level. Strategic priorities include promoting professional advancement among Division I Black Athletics Directors and minority athletic administrators, partner with NCAA senior leadership and NACDA, collaborate with MOAA and provide a comprehensive plan for action in support of racial and social justice.
Reed is one of 15 ADs to sit on the executive committee which will steer the group as a whole. He is joined by Omar Banks (Campbell University), Tim Duncan (University of New Orleans), Damon Evans (University of Maryland), Derrick Gragg (University of Tulsa), Charles Guthrie (University of Wisconsin Green Bay), Derek Horne (Alcorn State University), Martin Jarmond (University of California, Los Angeles), Candice Lee (Vanderbilt University), Warde Manuel (University of Michigan), Bernard Muir (Stanford University), Ed Scott (Morgan State University), Tamica Smith Jones (University of California, Riverside), Ingrid Wicker McCree (North Carolina Central University) and Carla Williams (University of Virginia).
Smaller task forces have been established which include: Allies, Pipeline/Recruitment, Social Justice, HBCUs, Student-Athlete Wellness and Development and Ambassadors.
Throughout the month, administrators and coach led seminars and small group meetings as the department strives to make it more in line with its core value of inclusive community. This is highlighted by the formation of the Black Student-Athlete Coalition which has been vocal in its goals of spreading awareness, advocacy and community.
Other programming and initiatives over the past few weeks have included:
