Case Western Reserve University hosted a Black student-athlete get-together at the 2022 UAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, the first such event of its kind in UAA history. What started as an idea from then Washington University student-athlete Andrew Whitaker to potentially bring Black track & field student-athletes together developed into a highly anticipated dinner as part of each Association track & field championship weekend.
UAA Track & Field Women Take Charge
When the idea was shared with track and field athletes across the UAA in early February 2022, Brandeis track & field student-athlete Sonali Anderson took the lead and set up a Doodle poll for a Zoom call to start planning what the event at CWRU could look like. “I was leading an anti-racist framework I created and implemented, focusing on solutions to problems experienced by Black students across Brandeis University departments. Track was the only place that was not happening,” remarked Anderson, who noted she was the only Black U.S.-born woman on her team until her junior year. “I was looking at Blackness from a campus, student-wise lens. I wasn’t even thinking about what it looked like within track because I was so isolated. I jumped at the opportunity to work with other track people across the UAA and was glad to organize that first call.”
Sophomore track and field student-athlete Elise Moore was excited to host the first event and immediately engaged CWRU BLAC (then called Black Latinx Athlete Coalition and now Black Letterwinning Athlete Coalition) President Jennifer Ngo and then assistant athletic trainer Tianna Cobb in the discussion of what that would entail.
The Zoom call was scheduled quickly for Feb. 14, 2022, with Anderson, Moore, Cobb, Whitaker, UAA Sports Information Director Timothy Farrell, and UChicago sophomore track & field student-athlete Gabriela Meschino all part of the conversation.
The First Event
The group decided to bring together Black student-athletes and assistant coaches on Saturday night after the Distance Medley Relay, the final event of the first day of competition. UAA Executive Vice President Dick Rasmussen offered to reimburse CWRU for the cost of any food and drink they purchased for the group, which included individually wrapped sandwiches from Dave’s Cosmic Subs. Being the first UAA meet since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled each of the past three championships (two outdoor and one indoor championship), single wrapped food was determined to be the safest option.
There was a plan for icebreakers and discussion at the event, which was held on the bleachers of Horsburgh Gymnasium shortly after the ending of the CWRU women’s basketball season finale versus Carnegie Mellon. “Jen (Ngo) and I came up with questions for the group, but it wasn’t the vibe when we got together,” recalled Moore, who was impressed by how organic the conversation turned out to be and how well teams interacted with one another. Andrew Whitaker really took the lead and the conversation flowed naturally.”
Although at least one representative from each of the seven track & field schools was invited to be part of the planning process, miscommunication and confusion with schools who did not attend those meetings meant that three of the seven schools were not present. However, Anderson, Moore, Meschino, and Whitaker saw strong participation from their teammates. All of them deemed the first event a success. “It was so nice to meet and talk to other Black people. With the added lens of being Black at a PWI (predominantly white institution) and not having Black teammates, you can start to embody the isolation that comes with those truths. It was nice having this event as a reminder and an awakening to our shared experiences,” recollected Anderson, who was one of many track & field student-athletes who also felt they benefited from meeting Carnegie Mellon University men’s basketball student-athlete RJ Holmes, who visited with Black track & field athletes after his team finished its game against CWRU earlier that day.
Holmes, a sophomore at the time, would go on to work with multiple track & field student-athletes from other schools as he became the president of Carnegie Mellon BLAC in Fall 2022 and as part of UAA BLAC, which includes Moore, Emory’s Geoff Point-Du-Jour, and WashU’s Charis Riebe. It was Riebe, with support from the other key track & field women, who would refine the event into what it is today.
The WashU Event and Catering from a Black-Owned Restaurant
Another Zoom call took place to help plan the next event at the 2022 UAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships to be hosted by WashU. The call included Moore, Meschino, Farrell, WashU Senior Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Summer Hutcheson and Emory University Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Success Audrey Hester. Riebe joined the call after being invited by Whitaker.
The group felt it was important to have the get-together at both the indoor and outdoor championships to keep the momentum going and to ensure that as many Black student-athletes as possible would have the chance to attend the event at least once in their four-year career since team members from the host institution did not need to make the travel squad to attend. It was also determined that Friday night before the meet started on Saturday was the ideal time for the event, at that time coinciding with the in-person coaches’ meeting, which is now held virtually.
Another important decision was driven by Riebe and then WashU Student-Athlete Development and Experience Coordinator Michelle Detwiler, now the Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations & Senior Woman Administrator at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. The duo came up with the idea to have a meal catered from a Black-owned restaurant, Gourmet Soul, and as has been the case at every event, the UAA reimbursed the host institution for the meal.
“Michelle was amazing. We bounced ideas about dinner off each other and determined we should order from a Black-owned restaurant,” remembered Riebe, who noted that WashU has continued to use Gourmet Soul since the event. The event included a slideshow backdrop and questions to discuss at each table, which combined student-athletes from different schools rather than entire teams sitting together. “We even called up tables to get food so that each table of mixed teams did everything together, eating good food while listening to others they may not have known before the dinner,” Riebe added.
“Witnessing Black track & field student-athletes from across the UAA in community was amazing. The energy in the room was positive and inclusive,” Detwiler stated. “This moment for them was about building bridges across the UAA and taking advantage of the moment of coming together. We were so proud of WU BLAC for their organization, leadership, and intentionality on this initiative.”
Six of the seven schools attended the event with Hester’s encouragement leading Emory to attend and multiple discussions between CWRU and NYU student-athletes at the first event leading the Violets’ athletes to attend the outdoor get-together. Emory’s appearance turned out to be a critical one for the school and the UAA as it inspired Pont-Du-Jour to co-found Emory’s Black Student Athlete Group (BSAG) and eventually co-found UAA BLAC with Riebe.
2023: Brandeis and UChicago Host
With two successful events behind them, the leadership trio of Moore, Riebe, and Meschino helped Brandeis track & field student-athletes Parker Jones and Alya Campbell helped them plan to host the dinner at the 2023 UAA Indoor Track & Field Championships.
The Brandeis dinner marked the first time that all seven schools were present, which would be repeated at the outdoor championship hosted by UChicago. Dinner was again catered from a Black-owned restaurant, Slade’s Bar & Grill in Boston.
Each host has autonomy on the format and Brandeis used student-athlete leaders to facilitate conversations based on discussion questions. They also became the first school to play the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice,” prior to competition to honor Black History Month and the Black student-athletes at the championship.
Meschino, who had played an important role since the first Zoom meeting in February 2022, was fully prepared to host the fourth event at the 2023 UAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Chicago. She scheduled the event to center around games and cards, while ordering from Black-owned restaurant Cleo’s Southern Cuisine. “I am introverted and tend to want to be with my own team, so I knew that games would be a way for people to talk to each other and it ended up being a lively event,” she commented.
When UChicago Director of Athletics and Recreation Angie Torain welcomed the student-athletes, it marked the fourth time in four events that a Black athletic director made opening remarks, following TJ Shelton (CWRU), Anthony J. Azama (WashU), and Lauren Haynie (Brandeis).
NYU Hosts First Off-Campus Event
With NYU hosting the 2024 UAA Indoor Track & Field Championships this past weekend, the event was off campus for the first time with The Armory serving as host of the championship and the Black student-athlete dinner.
Because no outside food can be brought into the facility, NYU was not able to cater dinner from a Black-owned restaurant. Despite the additional challenge of being amid an athletic director search, the administration began planning the event in the fall and kept the tradition of the event strong with six teams and more than 40 participants present for the meal provided by the facility.
NYU BLAC advisor, Senior Development Coordinator, and McLendon Leadership Initiative Fellow Jalen Holley delivered the opening remarks with Assistant Athletic Director for Brooklyn Operations Curtis Spence, Facility Operations Manager Chase Nixon, and Associate Track & Field Coach Michael Roberts also speaking to the group.
Legacy
Each of the women who have played a major role in the success of the event — Anderson, Moore, Meschino, and Riebe — are thankful to be part of something that they believe will leave a legacy for current and future Black track & field student-athletes in the UAA.
Although Anderson’s athletic career ended after attending the first two Black student-athlete dinners, she still feels the impact they had on her. “This event is so needed. Black track & field student-athletes at PWIs have so much in common. In high school in Georgia, track was mostly a Black sport to me and suddenly, my experience completely changed in college,” she revealed. “These gatherings brought us together and built a camaraderie between us. I started cheering for these people I would not have met without these dinners. It was extremely important to be a well-defined event for Black student-athletes, where our Blackness could be the center of something.”
What the Black Student-Athlete Dinner Means/Meant to Them and How They See its Impact for Black Track & Field Student-Athletes Across the UAA:
Sonali Anderson, Brandeis track & field alum, who organized the first Zoom call to plan the first Black student-athlete event at the 2022 UAA Indoor Track & Field Championships: “The Black student-athlete dinner at the UAA track & field championships was more than just a gathering; it was a sanctuary, a haven where, for once, I didn’t feel alone. As a Black athlete in a predominantly white institution and sports conference, the feeling of racial isolation can be overwhelming. But in that room, surrounded by people who looked like me, unquestionably Black, who shared similar experiences and challenges with no mention, I found solace. It was a rare moment where I could let my guard down, where I didn’t have to explain myself or justify my existence. For Black track & field student-athletes in this conference, this dinner was a lifeline, a reminder that we weren’t alone in our journey. Furthermore, the gatherings brought back warmth to the sport I had once thoroughly enjoyed before leaving Georgia.”
Alya Campbell, senior track & field athlete at Brandeis, host of the Black student-athlete dinner at the 2023 UAA Indoor Track & Field Championships: “The Black student-athlete dinner at the UAA track & field championships is crucial for me and Black track & field student-athletes. It provides a vital community where we celebrate our achievements, share experiences, and support each other. The dinner offers mentorship, helping us navigate challenges unique to our identity, and it is something that I look forward to participating in at every conference meet. Symbolically, it affirms diversity and inclusion in collegiate athletics. Personally, it’s a source of pride and validation, reminding us that our contributions are valued. In essence, it’s a beacon of empowerment, solidarity, and progress in sports as a whole.”
Tianna Cobb, former assistant athletic trainer at CWRU, who took on the administrative lead at the first Black student-athlete event: “The Black student-athlete dinner during the UAA track & field championships is very important for many reasons. This is an opportunity for students to build their community because it provides the space for Black student-athletes within the conference to connect and to serve as a support system to one another. They are able to share experiences, challenges, and their achievements. Secondly, this dinner serves as a platform for networking and even mentorship. Meeting other students who have the same major or similar goals, the student-athletes can network, seek guidance, and even inspiration from other student-athletes who are navigating similar paths as them. Thirdly, this space is an environment where the students can gather and bring awareness and dialogue about the Black student-athlete experience within the UAA, including the challenges they face and how they can be navigated and ultimately bring about change. I’ve seen this dinner spark meaningful dialogue among peers and even coaches who were in attendance. Finally, this dinner brings about importance on a personal level. Attending this dinner during my time at CWRU was a profound experience and it offered me moments of reflection. Seeing these athletes come together to recognize, empower, and support one another gave me a sense of pride. Their paths as Black student-athletes come with their share of challenges, but this dinner provided each athlete with a sense of community and showed that they did not have to walk alone.”
Parker Jones, senior track & field athlete at Brandeis, host of the Black student-athlete dinner at the 2023 UAA Indoor Track & Field Championships: “As a Black student-athlete myself, the dinner is a significant event that allows us to come together as a community and celebrate our achievements. It’s a great opportunity to network with other Black student-athletes and share our experiences. Additionally, the dinner serves as a reminder that we are not alone and that we have a support system within each other. It’s an event that I look forward to every year and one that has had a positive impact on me and other Black student-athletes at UAA.”
Gabriela Meschino, senior track & field athlete at UChicago, host of the 2023 UAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships: “Being a student-athlete in college is demanding. It is an experience that requires persistence, responsibility, adaptability, and every ounce of discipline. It is undoubtedly challenging. Now being a Black student-athlete is all of this and much more. Having to navigate predominantly white and academically rigorous institutions as a minority adds another element of difficulty to being a student-athlete. This is why the Black student-athlete dinner at the UAA track & field championships is so monumental. It is a space where Black athletes can come together to validate each other’s experiences and uplift one another. For me, to compete at a UAA championship is rewarding as is, but it is even more meaningful when I get to share the moment with fellow Black athletes who hold the same standard of excellence in all that they do and a passion for the sport. Although our experiences have their hardships, these types of moments are the most rewarding. Despite the fact that we’re competitors on the track, the Black student-athlete dinner reminds us that we are a community whose experiences and achievements are valued.”
Elise Moore, senior student-athlete at CWRU and host of the first Black student-athlete get-together in UAA history: “The Black student-athlete dinners have been one of my fondest memories of my collegiate career, both athletically and otherwise. It is an invaluable experience to be able to connect with other Black student-athletes who I share so many identities with. It is rare that athletes who compete against each other get to connect outside of their sport, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and the relationships that have come from it.”
Charis Riebe, senior track & field athlete at WashU, who introduced catering from a Black-owned restaurant to the dinner: “The Black student-athlete dinner gives us a time to support one another in our shared experiences at predominantly white institutions, as well as a space to build community and friendships. It is a space to celebrate, not censor, our Blackness. Although we are on different teams, we build genuine connections and want to see each other succeed both on and off the track/field.”
Jorge Rocha, junior men’s track & field athlete at NYU, host of most recent Black student-athlete event at 2024 UAA Indoor Track & Field Championships: “The Black student-athlete dinner at the UAA track & field championships is an event that enhances a sense of community and belonging outside of our respective teams. I look forward to these dinners as they allow me to connect with peers who inevitably share similar experiences and challenges, fostering a supportive network within the UAA track and field community. An even more remarkable aspect is that this dinner takes place in February, coinciding with Black History Month. This increases the capacity of Black empowerment as it creates a healthy environment for celebrating achievements whether on or off the track.”
Andrew Whitaker, WashU track & field alum who initiated conversations about bringing Black track & field student-athletes together at the UAA championships: “The Black student-athlete dinner was crucial, but challenging for me because in my eyes, I am a competitor first. Part of me didn’t want to be buddy-buddy before a competition, yet it represented life. People often see us for the color of our skin before they see who we are, and we needed to unite and build through our common experiences. ‘There’s nothing new under the sun’ is one of my favorite phrases. Basically, we don’t have to go through things alone. It is so much easier to learn from each other and grow together.”