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Black History Month Essay Contest

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Black History Month Essay Contest

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Inspiring the Next Generation

As Athletes for Hope (AFH) spent February celebrating the contributions and positive impacts of African American trailblazers, we partnered with our AFH University Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) athletic departments at Bowie State and Southern University for our 2nd Annual Black History Month Essay Contest.

The contest asked high schoolers in their communities to share a story of an African American who has been an inspiration to them.

The outpouring of submissions from students was incredible. We are honored to share with you the stories of the winners of our AFH Black History Month Essay Contest from Bowie High School and Scotlandville Magnet High School.

Meet The Winner: Bowie State

As we celebrate the contributions and positive impact of African American trailblazers, the Bowie St. University Athletic Department and Athletes for Hope encouraged 9th-12th grade students in the Bowie area to share the story of a local African American that has been an inspiration in their life.

The standout winner from the Bowie State community was soon-to-be 2026 graduate, Jalil.

Although Jalil was not able to attend the Bowie State Basketball game to be recognized and celebrated by his peers, he was sent an official AFH Black History Month Essay Contest certificate along with an AFH swag bag.

Read His Essay

Jalil

Black History Month Essay Topic: Omar Karim

Jalil’s essay focuses on the grit and determination of his Uncle Omar. He described his unwavering perseverance in creating a successful construction company during a time when most people told him his dreams were out of reach. Jalil’s essay perfectly encapsulates the meaning of hard work and the value of never giving up.

In him, I see the courage to chase my own dreams, the resillence to overcome hurdles, and the resourcefulness to navigate challenging landscapes.

Jalil

To read Jalil’s Black History Month Essay, click here.

Meet The Winner: Southern University

As we celebrate the contributions and positive impact of African American trailblazers, the Southern University Athletic Department, and Athletes for Hope encouraged 9th-12th grade students in the Baton Rouge area to share the story of a local African American who has been an inspiration in their life.

This year’s essay contest winner from the Baton Rouge community was senior football player, Lonnie.

Lonnie was recognized and celebrated by his peers at Southern’s basketball game on Saturday, February 24th where he was presented with an official AFH Black History Month Essay Contest certificate and an AFH swag bag.

Read His Essay

Lonnie

Black History Month Essay Topic: John Kermit Haynes

Lonnie wrote vividly about the inspiration and impact John Kermit Haynes has made on the city of Baton Rouge. Haynes is an esteemed biologist and academic administrator who is most famous for discovering methods for the detection and treatment of sickle cell anemia.

His (Haynes) story underscores the transformative power of education, mentorship, and perseverance, instilling hope and ambition in future generations as they navigate their own paths to success. 

Lonnie

To read Lonnie’s essay, click here.

Athlete Spotlight

Posted: Updated: by Hannah Bronkema

Jeremy Ebobisse: Goalscorer and Trailblazer

Entering his 9th season in the MLS, San Jose Earthquakes forward and 2023 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award Honoree Jeremy Ebobisse (ee-BO-bis-see) has gone above and beyond to use his platform to make change. Ebobisse is the Co-Founder, Executive Board Member, and Vice President of the MLS’ Black Players for Change, and he finds many ways to serve his community.

Ebobisse is a constant scoring threat on the pitch, notching 70 combined goals and assists in his 167 appearances. The former 4th overall pick has even appeared on the US U20, U23 and senior National teams, won the MLS is Back tournament and started in an MLS Cup final.

But Ebobisse’s journey to success has been marked more by his commitment to leveraging his platform for community service. While playing college soccer at Duke University, he spent time with students in Durham Public Schools. After being drafted by the Portland Timbers in 2017, he became actively involved with the team’s community initiative work titled Stand Together. 

Ebobisse started mentoring local middle and high school students and using his platform to strengthen the team’s relationship with local small businesses. When COVID hit, he attended a community vaccination site to ensure that all Portland-area residents had equal access to the vaccine. 

In addition to serving the community, throughout his collegiate and professional career, Ebobisse has been vocal in advocating for racial equality.

He had always condemned racism in the US, but after a noose was found on Duke’s campus and he saw his classmates brush this act under the rug, Ebobisse strived to use his platform to not ‘Shut Up and Dribble.’

Instead, he became vocal about racial inequalities in American policing and the criminal justice system, using his platform to drive conversation and advocate for change.

In 2020, the horrific murder of George Floyd became the final tipping point for Ebobisse. He co-founded Black Players for Change (BPC), virtually establishing this new organization of over 100 Black MLS players. Similar to the U.S., the MLS had not been equitable for Black players and the too few Black coaches who had been hired. BPC’s goal as an organization was to improve these conditions and make soccer more accessible to Black youth in the US. 

“We want to make soccer a sport for Black kids to feel comfortable in. Growing up, for me, there was a lot of talk all over that my place was as a basketball player or football player. I think that that’s due to the lack of engagement that our professional sports world has with the Black community. So we are looking to target investment in education and also specifically in developing the game whether that’s building courts, showing up consistently in these communities to show that … a lot of our teams … care about them.” – Jeremy Ebobisse in All ACC Interview with Dalen Cuff.

With Ebobisse at the forefront, BPC has made soccer more accessible by creating 28 mini-pitches (blacktop soccer courts) across US cities, starred in a national PSA for men of color to prioritize their mental health and Ebobisse himself initiated a GOTV program in 2020 for the election. He also joined the Players Coalition, an organization of professional athletes working together to promote social justice and racial equality at all levels of government. 

With the Players Coalition, Ebobisse lobbied to repeal Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences, advocated for HR40 federal legislation, and collaborated with local nonprofits to oppose a ballot initiative restricting affordable housing options in Menlo Park, CA.

After getting traded to the San Jose Earthquakes during the 2021 MLS Season, Ebobisse still found ways to better his new California community. He became a mentor for Oakland Genesis, a nonprofit organization aiming to empower underserved Oakland youth through free soccer and educational programs. Ebobisse frequently works with local middle schoolers in the program both as an assistant coach and tutor. 

His consistent efforts with Oakland Genesis landed him a nomination for the MLS’ 2023 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award. The nomination was accompanied by a feature in The Players’ Tribune where he opened up about dealing with traumatic racist experiences throughout his life and in soccer, his passion for Oakland Genesis, advocating for racial equality, and Black representation in soccer.

I realized it’s not about whether I should speak up as an athlete, it’s about the fact that I need to speak up as a human being. It’s just part of who I am, who I’ve been. And I am truly thankful to current and past athletes who have blazed that trail and shown the way.

Jeremy Ebobisse on why he stands up for what he believes in 
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Jeremy Ebobisses’ impact goes well beyond the confines of the pitch. He serves as a role model for athletes of all levels, demonstrating that sports can be a powerful platform for activism and social change. As he continues to excel in his career, we wish Ebobisse a great start to the 2024 MLS season.

Black History Month Essay Contest

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Baton Rouge Godmother Inspires Teen

As Athletes for Hope (AFH) spent February celebrating the contributions and positive impacts of African American trailblazers, we partnered with our AFH University Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) athletic departments, asking high schoolers in their communities to share a story of an African American that has been an inspiration to them.

The outpouring of submissions from students was incredible. We are honored to share with you the story of the winner of our AFH Black History Month Essay Contest from Scotlandville Magnet High School.

Meet The Winner

The standout winner from the Southern University community was track & field state champion, Madyson.

On March 4, Madyson was recognized for her essay at the Southern University vs. Alabama A&M basketball game. While she was unable to attend due to a track meet, she was visited by AFH Program Manager, Kenya warren-Hollins, who congratulated her and awarded her with a Southern University swag pack, school supplies, and more!

Read Her Essay

Madyson

Black History Month Essay Topic: Shirley Clayton

Madyson’s essay was a beautiful tribute to her godmother, Shirley Clayton. An ExxonMobil chemist and Southern University alumni, Clayton continues to give back to the Baton Rouge community any chance she can.

She’s always willing to offer help to anyone in need and do anything even if it is small or big. As I continue blossoming into a woman I aspire to be just like my Godmother.

Madyson

To read Madyson’s Black History Month Essay, click here.

Black History Month Essay Contest

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

AFH Announces First Wave Of Essay Winners

As Athletes for Hope (AFH) spent February celebrating the contributions and positive impacts of African American trailblazers, we partnered with our AFH University Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) athletic departments, asking high schoolers in their communities to share a story of an African American that has been an inspiration to them.

The outpouring of submissions from students was incredible. We are honored to share with you the stories of the winners of our AFH Black History Month Essay Contest from Bowie State- Prince George County.

Thank you to the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF), the official supporter of the AFH Black History Month Essay Contest at Bowie State, for making this possible.

Contest Winners

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the AFH Black History Month Essay Contest in the Bowie State community are Aisha, Brianna, Jayda, and Salman.

On February 18, the winners from Prince George County were invited to the Bowie State vs. Lincoln (PA) basketball game where they met AFH University Campus Liasion, Kevona Jones, and two members of APAF. During the game, the winners were recognized for their contributions and were shown on the big screen for all to see.

Black History Month Contest Essays

Aisha

Black History Month Essay Topic: Jackie Robinson

Aisha’s essay was a powerful story on how MLB Legend and social justice activist Jackie Robinson fought to change the way the media viewed and represented African Americans.

But the most important thing that he did was more than the sum of his parts. It was more than a single occasion or a big change that he made in the world. The most important thing that Jackie Robinson did, beyond being himself, was fight sanitization of black legacies. 

Aisha

To read Aisha’s Black History Month essay, click here.

Brianna

Black History Month Essay Topic: Harriet Tubman

Brianna’s essay was a beautiful tribute to the life and legacy of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman. After her escape out of slavery, Harriet made 13 missions to Maryland where she freed over 70 African Americans.

Her unwavering determination, courage, and commitment to justice and equality have inspired me to be a better person and work for a more just and equitable world.

Brianna

To read Brianna’s Black History Month essay, click here.

Jayda

Black History Month Essay Topic: Frances Ellen Watkins Parker 

Jayda’s essay emphasized using your written words as power. Born free in Baltimore, Maryland, Francis Ellen Watkins Parker was a well-known abolitionist voice and published author in anti-slave journals.

If not for Parker’s bravery, I might not have been able to publish a story myself, and becoming an author at such a young age is what shaped me into the young woman I am today who still holds a passion for writing. 

Jayda

To read Jayda’s essay, click here.

Salman

Black History Month Essay Topic: Frederick Douglass

Salman’s essay was a historical depiction of the life of the activist, author, public speaker, and leader of the abolitionist movement, Frederick Douglass.

[He] is very significant in history as well as an inspiration for all those past slaves who had been free through his activism towards slavery as well as being dedicated to abolishing it.

Salman Iqbal

To read Salman’s essay, please click here.

AFH Newsroom

Posted: Updated: by jbelinkie

Black History Is Athletes for Hope’s History

Athletes for Hope began over 16 years ago, founded by a group of elite athletes who all share a common bond – a deep commitment to helping others. Over the course of their lives, each of our Founders has dedicated significant time, energy and resources to varying charitable causes.

Among our Founding AFH Athlete greats are four Black athletes who have taken both the sports world and the charitable world by storm; each defining unique causes in their communities to give back to. Together they are the intersection between Black history and AFH history. These are the stories of Founders Muhammad Ali, Warrick Dunn, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Alonzo Mourning.

Muhammad Ali

Professional Boxing

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

– Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali brought an unorthodox fighting style, unprecedented speed, and extraordinary grace to his sport, while his charm and wit forever changed the public’s expectations of a champion.

While his success as a boxer is widely respected, Muhammad’s greatest triumphs have taken place outside the ring – as a leader and champion of life. Through his humanitarian efforts, he has perhaps contributed more than any other athlete to make the world a better place. Recipient of the 1997 Arthur Ashe Courage Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005, Muhammad leaves a legacy that inspired millions of people all over the world.

While he passed in 2016, his legacy lives on through the Muhammad Ali Center in his birthplace of Louisville, KY where children and adults are inspired to learn and form new commitments in personal growth, integrity and respect for others.

If you are in the Louisville area, make sure to stop by the Muhammad Ali Center as they showcase new exhibitions, screen films, and host live conversations with Black creators. For more information on the Center’s Black History Month programming, please click here.

Warrick Dunn

National Football League (NFL)

“I can look in their eyes and see it. That’s the best feeling I can have. I know I didn’t effect their lives just today, but it carries on for years and years to come.”

-Warrick Dunn

NFL Pro Bowler and former running back Warrick Dunn no longer tallies rushing yards. Instead, he’s adding up the number of single parents he’s assisted around the Southeast.

Inspired by his mother Betty’s dream to own her own home and her untimely death when he was just 18 years old, Warrick founded Homes For The Holidays (HFTH) in 1997 during his rookie season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To this day, HFTH partners with local organizations to provide home furnishings and down-payment assistance to single-parent families and has since expanded into three additional programs: Count On Your Future, SCULPT, and Hearts for Community Service Scholarships. All four of these programs are part of Warrick Dunn Charities.

Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Track & Field

“Give back in some way. Always be thoughtful to others.”

-Jackie Joyner-Kersee

Raised in East St. Louis, IL, sport has always been a refuge for Jackie Joyner-Kersee. The woman who once said that being an athlete is “a kind of grace” was able to overcome poverty, tragedy and discrimination to become a track and field world record-holder, 6-time Olympic medalist and one of the greatest athletes of all time.

With poise, passion and a desire to help families in the community she calls home, Jackie created the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, which is now under a partnership with the East St. Louis School District, and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation which works to ensure that every East St. Louis-area youth is given the opportunity to achieve greatness and succeed in academics, athletics and leadership.

Alzono Mourning

National Basketball Association (NBA)

“I feel that each and every one of us as individuals has a responsibility to one another. None of us would be here without the help of someone else – whether it be guardians, teachers, parents, relatives, etc. – someone contributed to your well-being as a person. We’re all connected in so many different ways.”

-Alonzo Mourning

At 6’10”, former NBA All-Star, NBA Champion and Olympic Gold medalist Alonzo “Zo” Mourning towers over most of his fellow humans. But Alonzo’s stature and accomplishments on the court haven’t stopped him from devoting his life to empowering others.

Through the Mourning Family Foundation (MFF), founded in 1997, he and his wife Tracy have raised over $25 million for youth development programs like Honey Shine and the Overtown Youth Center.

In all his efforts, Alonzo inspires kids in the South Florida area to become positive, contributing citizens in their community. He teaches them that they can do more than they might think possible. And every Thanksgiving, Alonzo personally delivers turkey dinners to hundreds of unsuspecting families, feeding stomachs as well as souls.

Our Founding AFH Athletes and their desire to make the world a better place is our driving force to educate, empower and inspire the next generation of athletes. We are proud to call Muhammad Ali, Warrick Dunn, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and Alonzo Mourning our Founders and honored to share their legacies this Black History Month.