Clark Atlanta University Archives

AFH University Service Recognition

Posted: February 23, 2024 Updated: February 23, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

January 2024 | Student-Athlete & Team of the Month

Each month we ask our AFH University campus liaisons for nominations of student-athletes and teams who excelled in service. Through our monthly nominations, we can acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.

During January, our Student-Athlete and Team of the Month award winners brought together members of their communities for great causes.

January Student-Athlete of the Month

Ashanti Tianna Turner

Our January Student-Athlete of the Month is Ashanti Tianna Turner from Bowie State Track & Field. Ashanti was nominated by her peers because of her incredible work connecting teams to service on the 2024 MLK Day of Service.

“Ashanti helped plan and execute getting volunteers for a Martin Luther King Day event on Bowie State’s campus. As SAAC President, Ashanti rallied student-athletes from various teams on campus to work in conjunction with the Nutrition Lounge (BSU food pantry) and RISE Against Hunger to package up 20,000 meals for MLK Day of Service.“

Aside from her MLK Day contributions, the senior sprinter is not new to service. She is actively involved in Bowie State’s R.A.K.E.(Random Acts of Kindness Everywhere) campus initiative which aims to spread positivity and spark continuous moments of joy for peers.

Over the summer, Ashanti participated in the 2023 Black Student-Athlete Summit, a four-day conference comprised of student-athletes, professionals, and influencers in athletics who discussed key topics that impact Black student-athletes.

During the summit she was able to discuss important topics such as Black student-athlete mental health, transitioning out of sports and Black athlete performance and success in life.

Ashanti is thrilled to be named January’s Student-Athlete of the Month and is excited to continue to propel her teammates and classmates toward service.

January Team of the Month

Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball

The January Team of the Month is the Clark Atlanta women’s basketball team. The team was nominated by their peers for hosting a “day in the life” for children at the Harland Boys and Girls Club.

“The Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball team hosted 15 children from the Harland Boys and Girls Club along with three chaperones and gave them a “day in the life” experience. Women’s Basketball along with the Spirit Booster Club showed the kids what a day in the life of a CAU student-athlete is like.

The kids from the club were able to spend time with the student-athletes and get to know them and ask questions about what being a collegiate athlete is like. They also spent the game with the Spirit Boosters who showed them different cheers and encouraged them to engage with fans and have fun!”

The Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball team has historically been heavily involved in service throughout the Atlanta community, with several players helping to initiate team service projects. The Lady Panthers have participated in breast cancer research walks, read to local elementary school students, volunteered at community basketball court unveilings and more.

Aside from community service, the Lady Panthers are passionate about using their voices to make a difference. Several team members have participated in AFH University panels and Black History Month panels where they share their thoughts on topics surrounding student-athlete mental health and the Black student-athlete experience.

The Lady Panthers are excited to receive this award and recognition from their peers as they get ready for more community service this spring.

AFH University Service Recognition

Posted: January 30, 2024 Updated: January 30, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

November & December 2023 | Student-Athlete & Team of the Month

During November and December, our Student-Athlete and Team of the Month award winners challenged the status quo on what it means to serve as they created service projects and opportunities in their community.

November Award Winners

November Student-Athlete of the Month

Our November Student-Athlete of the Month is Eliza Buerk from Davidson women’s basketball. Eliza personally reached out to the AFH University team to plan an event with Dream on 3 and the Davidson women’s basketball team.

“Eliza has spearheaded the planning and preparation for this experience which took place on December 8 at their game against High Point. The team hosted families, showed them around the arena, and honored them at halftime. Eliza was at the center of the planning and this could not have been put together without her hard work and passion.”

November Team of the Month

The November Team of the Month is the Southern bowling team. Together, Southern bowling has been a force, not only on the lanes but in the community.

“Southern bowling kicked off their season prioritizing service, playing a huge role in the 2023 AFH Baton Rouge Serves initiative and 9/11 Day of Service events. The team participated in food sorting at the BR Food Bank, enjoyed a school visit with Louisiana Key Academy, and an Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Visit.”

December Award Winners

December Student-Athlete of the Month

Our December Student-Athlete of the Month is Zion Walters from Clark Atlanta women’s basketball. Zion has participated in service opportunities every month throughout the entire fall 2023 semester, even asking to be connected to service opportunities while she was at home during the holiday season.

“For the entire first semester of the school year Zion has been attending the Harland Boys and Girls Club weekly to hang out with the kids. In December, Zion worked tirelessly to help the kids choreograph a dance to perform at their Holiday Party. She worked with the kids for over a month to get the dance perfect to perform in front of all of the staff, kids, and families at the club.”

December Team of the Month

The December Team of the Month is the Davidson women’s basketball team. During December, the Davidson women’s basketball team hosted Dream on 3 for a fun “Dreamers Day” during their game against High Point.

“The women on the Davidson women’s basketball team spent the day hosting children and their families who are living with life-altering conditions. Not only did the kids get to spend time with the team, but they received swag from Davidson College along with being honored at half-time in front of all of the fans and players at the arena. After the game, the kids and their families were able to get autographs and pictures with all of the players.”

As we look forward to another semester of AFH University, we couldn’t be more proud of all of our student-athletes and teams for the work they are doing in their communities each day!

AFH Community Hero

Posted: August 10, 2023 Updated: August 10, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

Serving Her Community Selflessly

As Clark Atlanta student-athlete Zion Walters left school and arrived at the Boys and Girls Club in her Arizona hometown, she sprinted over to the Xbox Connect to try and get in on the XX game. Becoming a mentor, a teacher, and a friend to kids of all ages and walks of life was something Zion had envisioned for herself from a young age. It is for these reasons and more that she is Athletes for Hope’s August Community Hero of the Month.

Walters was a passionate child, so when she saw all of the older kids in her way, she dreamed of one day being able to play all the games she wanted after school. As the art and gym rooms transformed into the collegiate classrooms and basketball stadiums that she plays in today, she never forgot where she came from, and the dreams she once had.

Zion Walters teaching a dance clinic at the Boys and Girls Club.

“When I was in the club, I never had anybody to do the things I wanted to do with,” Walters said. “You had the sports and the football and the gaming, but I was like ‘I just want to dance.’ There are kids that want to do what you have to offer, but nobody is coming to help them.”

Some of Walters’ main passions in life are dance, basketball, and giving back. During the course of the past few months, she has combined these passions into an opportunity for her dreams to become a reality.

Children at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta have had the opportunity to participate in dance and basketball clinics, an opportunity Walters was not afforded.

“Just seeing the smile on their faces and seeing how excited they were when I came in,” Walters said. “Seeing how much they practiced when I wasn’t around, their excitement made me want to keep doing it.”

The Clark Atlanta University basketball player has worked alongside Athletes for Hope to make a difference week in and week out. Despite a busy schedule that includes practices, games, rehab, study sessions, and classes, Walters always seems to find a way to hold clinics for the Boys and Girls Club.

Zion Walters teaching a basketball clinic at the Boys & Girls Club.

Walters had a vision for how she can better the area around her, and is doing everything in her power to help shape the future generations of Atlanta.

It is not for the recognition, either. She works without a spotlight on her actions, yet continues to transform the dreams of the children she helps.

“When I went to Arizona, after three days this little girl came up to me and she’s like ‘Hey, I just wanted to let you know your classes are so much fun. I’m usually sad throughout the day, but when you come I’m genuinely happy and I have so much fun,’” Walters said.

Zion Walters poses with dance clinic participants at the Boys & Girls Club.

Moments like these keep Walters coming back in her free time and provide a reason for her fellow athletes to support their community as well. Whether it’s the cause or the area, Walters is living proof that an athlete can use their platform for so much more than sport.

With time and effort, it can change lives.

“We are, in a sense, role models for a lot of people,” Walters said. “If you have people consistently watching you, why not show them what they can do in the community? As an athlete, I know I have a lot of younger people watching me and I want to tell them that doing community service is great.”

Athletes in Action

Posted: July 27, 2023 Updated: July 27, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University Summer Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions.

Over the summer AFH student-athletes went above and beyond the call of service as they made a positive impact in their hometowns and university neighborhoods.

Athletes from Howard, Georgetown, Davidson, Southern, Clark Atlanta, and LSU visited children’s hospitals, engaged in community events, and more!

May 2023

Children’s Wisconsin

Howard University football player, Gerone Hamilton Jr. participated in a virtual hospital visit with Children’s Wisconsin Hospital. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the activity included BINGO with coping skills.

Gerone was very personable and caring in his interaction with the kids and shared his own experiences as well as asked the kids great questions.

LA Key Academy & Arc of Baton Rouge

On Thursday, May 25th Athletes for Hope facilitated our second inclusive 9/11 emergency preparedness event at Louisiana Key Academy. Our annual field day brought out over 30 volunteers consisting of student-athletes, SU Volunteers, the Southern University chapter of The NAACP, and The Arc of Baton Rouge.

Volunteers assisted with inflatables, various sports stations, and fire safety activities. Students were excited to tour a fire truck, honk the truck horn, and learn about the firefighter uniform and tools with the Baton Rouge Fire Department.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency team shared tips on how to prepare and evacuate in the case of an emergency. The MOHSE team brought a firehouse simulation which prompted students to put their new skills to use.

Participants from LA Key Academy smiling for a photo together.

Baton Rouge Fire Department crew member stands in front of the Ready Rangers mobile as he speaks to field day participants.

June 2023

Boys and Girls Club of Arizona

Clark Atlanta University basketball player Zion Walters smiles with other volunteers in front of a Main Event sign.

Clark Atlanta women’s basketball player Zion Walters accompanied all of the Boys and Girls Clubs in the West Valley on a field trip to Main Event in Avondale for the day.

“When we arrived, I began helping with lunch. Me and other volunteers served pizza to all of the kids from 9:45 until 12:45. We served over 240 slices of pizza, and still had more for seconds and thirds. I met some amazing people and made great memories.”
-Zion Walters, Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Southern University football players made a visit to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and facilitated a spin-the-wheel trivia game for hospital patients.

“It was an amazing and fun experience. I was able to learn some new things while having a great day of trivia with the kids. I can’t wait to come back.”
-Robens Beauplan, Southern Football Punter

Southern football players smile for a photo before they began a game of spin-the-wheel trivia at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital.

July 2023

Voice in Sports Foundation

Female student-athletes from Georgetown University smile for a photo with Senator Chris Murphy.

Student-athletes from Georgetown University, along with other female student-athletes and administrators from across the country, met at Capitol Hill and partnered with the Voice in Sport Foundation to receive educational Title IX training, learn about the Fair Play Act, and meet with the sponsor of the bill, Senator Chris Murphy.

Women were able to hear from the senator and ask him questions on how we can better advocate and make change as female athletes.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte

Davidson college football put on a two-hour football clinic with the kids of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte. They spent their time teaching the kids new skills and the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Members of the Davison football team pose for a photo with participants of the football clinic.

Geaux Day

Teams from Southern and LSU volunteered at Geaux Day on Wednesday, July 26th. This annual collaborative field day attracted over 200 kids for a day of modified sports on LSU’s campus.

The youth had the opportunity to visit sports stations, learn more about LSU and Southern Athletics, and observe a football practice followed by a meet & greet.

“I served today because I really enjoy being around the kids as a college athlete. I feel like it gives them the idea that they also can do the same thing. Seeing their faces light up when they accomplish something makes me happy”.
– Paris Washington, Southern Tennis

photo of LSU student-athlete high-fiving one of the Beaux Day participants after a drill. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Student-athletes and Beaux Day participants line up on the LSU football field before breaking into their groups. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Phoenix

Clark Atlanta basketball player Zion Walters poses with peace signs in the dance studio with clinic participants from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Phoenix.

Zion Walters from Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball spent a week running a dance clinic at the Boys & Girls Club.

At the end of the clinic, the children performed the dance they learned for the faculty and other kids at the club.

As the summer months come to an end and our student-athletes gear up for another great semester, we couldn’t be more proud of their continued dedication to serving their communities and are excited to see all of the good they accomplish together this fall.

AFH University Service Recognition

Posted: May 5, 2023 Updated: May 5, 2023 by jbelinkie

April Student-Athlete & Team of the Month

Each month we ask our AFH University campus liaisons for nominations of student-athletes and teams who excelled in service. Through our monthly nominations, we are able to acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.

Student-Athlete of the Month

Our April Student-Athlete of the Month is Zion Walters from Clark Atlanta University. Zion is a leader in service on her team with a passion for kids. She is always eager to be involved in service projects in the Atlanta community and will often help find new opportunities for her and her teammates.

“Zion has been going into the Harland Boys and Girls Club twice a week for the last couple of weeks and will be doing so until the school year ends in May. Every Monday she puts on a dance clinic for the group and every Wednesday she puts on a basketball clinic for the kids.

She has been incredibly proactive about finding volunteer opportunities in the Atlanta community and is incredibly passionate about spreading her love of basketball and dance to the children at the club.”

Team of the Month

The April Team of the Month is none other than the Davidson football team. Together the team has positively impacted their community in North Carolina through dedicated weekly service visits and fundraising efforts.

“The Davidson Football team has been hard at work on the field and in the community. They have been active weekly volunteers at the Ada Jenkins Center, playing with the children after school and keeping them company.

On April 21st they had their annual Lift for Life event where they raise money and awareness for rare disease research. It is an event that the entire team participates in and they have so far raised over $9,000.”

We are so proud of all of our student-athletes who continue to go above and beyond the call of service in their communities.

Collegiate Athlete Spotlight

Posted: February 28, 2023 Updated: April 12, 2023 by jbelinkie

Creating A Legacy At Clark Atlanta

In this special edition of our Athlete Spotlight, Benjamin Raspberry reflects on his time at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

Photos courtesy of Benjamin Raspberry and Gaiter Sports.

What is your name, school, and sport?

My name is Benjamin Raspberry and I attend the illustrious Clark Atlanta University. I play basketball and run Cross Country as a student-athlete here.

Why did you decide to attend an HBCU?

I decided to come back home to Clark Atlanta because of the family environment and overall opportunities it gave me. You can always find yourself networking, eating different food from your peers, and enjoying amazing experiences.

In what ways does your sports team integrate into your school’s community through service?

Family. I think that is the one thing that we integrate into the community. That’s always been the one thing I love about Clark Atlanta. No matter the good or the bad, you have a family to come to and rely on. From my experience, it’s always showing love, taking pictures with kids, and dancing with the community, serving food, or just having important conversations to impact Atlanta and our University.

Giving back is the least we can do and there is so much more that we can bring to the community. Focusing on the bigger picture is what I and my team members value.
Benjamin Raspberry

Who is a professional athlete you look up to and why?

Kawhi Leonard & Damian Lillard. I picked these athletes because of their quiet personas and “actions speak louder than words” personalities. They do a lot for the community, but they allow other people to shine because the people brought them up and made them who they are today.

How does being an athlete help you give back to your community?

Being an athlete helps me to be a mentor to the next generation. I was fortunate enough to be a ranked athlete in Georgia and was able to give advice or take pictures with kids just to make their day. I know what it’s like to see and look up to an older player. To move, act, and carry yourself the way that the mentor carried himself. For me, those guys were Brandon Robinson, Colin sexton, and Jaylen Brown.

What are your career aspirations?

I want to be a professional basketball player, but every athlete has several backup options. Other options for me are an FBI Agent, successful entrepreneur for my clothing brand ( FLO – Family, Love, Opportunity), and the last option would be to work on an NBA marketing team.

What would your advice be to other student-athletes considering attending an HBCU?

My advice to future students wanting to attend an HBCU is to do your research. Get all the financial aid you can possibly find, network with faculty & staff early, and get involved early as well.

The perfect word for my experience is probably legacy. Wanting to leave your mark is the best way to go to the next chapter of your life once graduating.
Benjamin Raspberry

Hear from other AFH University student-athletes talk about their experiences attending an HBCU in the first episode of our HBCU Panel Series below!