MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Several student-athletes recently had an opportunity to take part in the sixth annual Black Student-Athlete Summit, joining student-athletes from around the country at the University of Texas at Austin.
The Summit, which is committed to increasing positive student outcomes and unlocking the potential of ideas, used a theme of "The Mental Health of the Black Student-Athlete." It included keynote speakers Dr. Martin P. Smith of Duke University and sports journalist Jemele Hill, who worked for ESPN for 12 years and is now a writer for The Atlantic.
The opening day of the Summit dealt with sessions such as "Coping with Stress as a Black Student-Athlete while balancing Multiple Roles," a keynote lunch with Dr. Smith, as well as breakout and networking sessions.
"I enjoyed the morning session on day one," Alabama State soccer student-athlete Teaggan Ilela said. "It was reassuring knowing that no matter what institution people are at, a lot of us are experiencing the same thing. I am excited and hopeful of what we can bring back to Alabama State for our athletes."
She wasn't alone in her thoughts on day one.
"The opening day was an amazing start to the Summit," Alabama State track and field student-athlete Colby Clark said. "It was informative and opened my mind to the tough conversations that we didn't know we needed to have. The networking opportunities were tremendous, not only with the student-athletes but with the administrators who were in attendance."
The second day of the Summit shifted focus to "Reframing the Game" and "I Used to be a Baller," before a special session from the Ross Behavioral Group. The day shifted to finding a balance for the student-athletes, academics and developing youth; before an evening with Jemele Hill.
"One of the biggest takeaways from the second day was about identity," Alabama State soccer student-athlete Kayla Mckenzie-Edmonds shared. "It was about figuring out who we are without our sport, and what the next step is when out sport is over. Having self-awareness is a huge role in that as well; sometimes who we think we are may not be who we actually are."
The Summit concluded with several sessions including faith to face the issue, accessing the toolbox and a Town Hall forum.
"The last day was a little different compared to the first two days," Alabama State track and field student-athlete Afnan Chowdhury said. "We got a summary of what we learned and how we can use the knowledge back on campus. We got the privilege to meet a lot of distinguished professionals, and I was personally inspired by their speeches and real-life stories."
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