Feb. 13, 2017
Nashville, Tenn. – In celebration of Black History Month, Vanderbilt athletics is set to honor 21 of Nashville’s leading civil rights figures at its men’s and women’s basketball games as part of its equality weekend by wearing special Nike uniforms during its basketball games this weekend.
The university will honor those 21 individuals, as well as celebrate the 50th anniversary of Vanderbilt’s Perry Wallace and Godfrey Dillard breaking the color barrier in SEC basketball, with special events surrounding its men’s basketball game against South Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 18 and women’s game against Ole Miss on Sunday, Feb. 19. The equality weekend uniforms, created exclusively for Vanderbilt by Nike, serve as a way to recognize those who fought for social justice and civil rights in the South, and beyond.
“As I watch our sporting events, I realize how important athletics is to the concept of diversity in our society,” Vanderbilt Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletics Director David Williams said. “In many ways athletics is a leader in that area and certainly can and should be a pacesetter. It is important that we stop and think about how all of this happened.
“Who were the people in our history and society that allowed the basketball games we watch today to have the diversity we see among the young people playing the game and attending our universities? Who were those folks who worked hard to make the city of Nashville and Vanderbilt University an open and welcoming place for all of us? I am honored to be a part of this great university as we take the time to recognize these icons, for they are truly heroes. I am humbled to stand on their shoulders for it is their leadership and courage that paved the way for all of us.”
Alongside Dillard and Wallace, the honorees include a civil rights attorney, a newspaper reporter, a former state senator, a former Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court and many more historic figures. The university plans to recognize each honoree and/or his or her family before and during both basketball games at Memorial Gymnasium.
“I am really thankful as a coach to be part of such an awesome opportunity at Vanderbilt,” men’s basketball coach Bryce Drew said. “This is a great compliment to individuals like Perry Wallace, as well as the people around him who supported him and gave him strength to do what he did. There will be a lot of smiles and tears this weekend, and it’s all for a great cause.”
“It is going to be a special night at Memorial Gym,” said women’s basketball coach Stephanie White. “It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of this initiative. We are both proud and humbled to have the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the men and women who helped shape our country and opened so many doors that were previously closed.”
Vanderbilt men’s basketball tips off against South Carolina on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m. CT. The Commodore women will face Ole Miss on Sunday at 2 p.m. CT.
