Ep 22: Beyond the Game: Voices from the Black Student Athlete Summit

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Reiland Rabaka is joined by DaWon Baker, CU Boulder's Associate Athletic Director for Impact & Strategic Engagement, along with three CU Boulder students and student-athletes who recently attended the 2025 Black Student Athlete Summit in Chicago. Together, they share what it means to be part of a national gathering that celebrates Black excellence, amplifies voices, and addresses the challenges and opportunities facing Black students at predominantly white institutions.

The guests reflect on their experiences at the summit. Discussing community, leadership, identity, and what it means to bring their authentic selves into academic and athletic spaces. They talk about the importance of mentorship and representation, and how initiatives like the summit create networks of support that extend beyond sports or campus life.

DaWon Baker frames the discussion around purpose and belonging, emphasizing how athletics can serve as a bridge to broader conversations about equity, access, and social change. As he notes, "We're not just talking about performance. We're talking about purpose. These students are building community, shaping culture, and defining what leadership looks like for a new generation."

See show notes, photos and a playlist on our website.