Coaches Speaking Into Racial Unrest
(St. Louis, MO) – Missouri Valley Conference coaches a making a difference during troubled times. As America endures more racial/social unrest than since the 1960s, Valley coaches are taking a proactive stance.
As the United States takes a fresh look at racism, over aggressive policing, white privilege and equality, MVC coaches are speaking into the racial unrest. America has seen both peaceful and violent protests since the May 25th killing of George Floyd. #BlackLivesMatter has become a massively trending hashtag on every social media platform.
Racism, both intentional and previously not understood are the topics of political and dinner table conversations. Valley coaches routinely talk about mentoring young men and preparing them for the future, so naturally they are engaged in this nation-shaping season.
Listening to Their Players
MVC coaches see the need to understand the racial inequalities and the personal experiences of their African American players. Northern Iowa’s Ben Jacobson says the first thing he did was host a Zoom call to listen to his players. The dean of the Valley coaches says it was an emotional call and that he has much to learn.
Loyola’s Porter Moser sees the positive aspects of the current unrest. He says his team and the current generation of players are passionate about finding answers to racial inequality questions. Senior-to-be Lucas Williamson has been a team leader. He has written articles for the student newspaper and Moser calls him an ‘activist’.
Drake’s Darian DeVries has spent time with each of his players. The coronavirus separation has inhibited the ability to do much more. However, DeVries is looking for mays to lead his players during troubled times.
Getting Proactive
The Valley’s only African American head coach is Missouri State’s Dana Ford. He has been both outspoken and very intentional. Ford played for Illinois State and was an assistant coach for the Redbirds and for, then Valley program, Wichita State. He is a long-time Valley member.
Ford is about to begin his third season at MSU and has initiated a ‘Bears, Badges and Basketball’ campaign. His hope is that young African Americans can get to know police officers during normal circumstances. His players play basketball and spend time with local children and police officers.
Ford believes it’s easier to ‘build up a kid, than to change a man’.
Jacobson wants to be proactive and was impressed by Ford’s program. UNI’s players plan on wearing different themed warm-up shirts throughout the season and selling identical shirts to raise money for social justice issues.
Former Evansville star Marcus Wilson joined us in late May to discuss these issues in depth. The full story can be read here and our podcast with the UE hall-of-famer can be seen on youtube (there are two parts, the link is to Part One) and heard Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts.
Bradley’s Brian Wardle is looking for long-term, sustainable activities and programs to consistently address racial inequality and racism.
These leaders work tirelessly to develop a family environment. Their passions to help their players develop strong character and to make good choices are evident in their reactions to current controversies.
Valley coaches are speaking into racial unrest and are making a difference during troubled times.
Do Good
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As we near the closing of the portal window, we've reached 1900. Some of them never to play college basketball again, earn a college degree and some to play at a much lower level than they did last season.
I guess we'll be seeing this in a @RacersHoops uniform this year. Glad AJ is staying in the @ValleyHoops.
