How We Talk, Teach and Tackle Racism in College Athletics - Maryland Sports Business Conference

As we approach Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of slavery in this country, we share this RISE critical Conversation from the recently held University of Maryland Sports Business Conference. With lawmakers across the country seeking to restrict the way issues of race, diversity and inclusion are discussed and taught in schools and places of work, this conversation addresses how we talk, teach and tackle racism in the collegiate space, particularly in athletics. With such legislative efforts rising in various states, Juneteenth serves as a reminder for the need to acknowledge and learn from our history and continue to push in the modern day fight for racial and social justice. In this conversation, we tackle these issues head-on, addressing athlete activism, amateurism and racial equity in college sports and the importance of engaging in honest conversations around racism and inclusivity. Moderated by University of Maryland Assistant Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development, Resa Lovelace, the conversation features RISE CEO Diahann Billings-Burford; Kevin Blackistone, Professor of the Practice at the Phillip Merrill College of Journalism, Washington Post columnist and ESPN Around The Horn panelist; Maryland Women’s Volleyball Player Rainelle Jones; and Dr. Ronald Mower, Lecturer Kinesiology, Maryland School of Public Health.