There are approximately 100 African American and other student-athletes of color this school year at the University of Minnesota. In an occasional series throughout the school year and sports year, the MSR will highlight many of these players.
This week: Track athletes Zariyah Black and Jordan Dunigan
The Big Ten this year established the Jackie Robinson Community & Impact Award to recognize conference student-athletes — a male and female nominee from each member school “who strive to have a positive impact not only in their chosen sport but also within their community,” says its website.
UCLA is one of four new Big Ten schools, and Jackie Robinson was the school’s first four-sport letter winner (football, basketball, track and field and baseball). He later became even more legendary for breaking Major League Baseball’s longtime color line in 1947, as well as for his social justice activism after he retired from baseball.
The four main criteria for the Robinson award are demonstrated impact — significant and tangible contributions to community projects; ability to work effectively with others, including peers, organizations, and community members; consistency and commitment in community service activities; and raising awareness and advocating for important groups or causes.
Senior Zariyah Black and redshirt freshman Jordan Dunigan are Minnesota’s two Jackie Robinson award nominees. Last week we talked to both Gophers before they headed to their track practice.
Both Black, a Gibsonville, N.C. native, and Dunigan, a Woodbury High School graduate, quickly stressed that what they do off the track wasn’t intended to get them recognized by the school or the Big Ten.
“When they first introduced the Big Ten Jackie Robinson award, I said, ‘Wow’ that’s really cool, something I want to win someday,” admitted Dunigan. When school officials asked him to submit a video and other documents, “I just kind of freaked out,” he added.
“I got an email asking me to share some of the outside things that I do community-wise,” recalled Black.
Although two other Big Ten athletes were named first-time winners of the Robinson award, the two Gophers pointed out that they are humbled with the experience of being the school’s first-time nominees. They will be formally honored soon at an athletics department staff meeting.
“My faith is really huge,” explained Black, who is active in her church. “It’s my everything.
“The greatest gift that I’ve learned to give people is your time. It’s not about how much you can donate, how much you can participate, but generally showing people that you care.
“Like Jordan said, it’s not really a thing that you have a checklist of everything you’re done,” she reiterated.
“It’s kind of the way that I’ve always been,” added Dunigan, whose off-campus activities include serving meals and speaking to youth. He pointed out that he watched his parents get involved in various community activities and they brought him along.
“We’ve gone to homeless shelters and fed people. I’ve also seen [his father] do a bunch of different kids camps, things like that. My mother’s a nurse, and I’ve seen her work for free and donate her time to different [causes].”
Both Black and Dunigan are heavily involved in their respective track events this outdoor season: She was a 2024 Academic All-Big Team member and reached the NCAA as a member of the Gophers 4x100m relay team. Her main event is the 100m hurdles.
“For me, waiting for a breakthrough,” said Black. “Couple things to work out.”
Dunigan competed in four events during his redshirt season in 2024, competing in the shot put, discus and hammer throw. “Personally, I’m doing all right. There’s definitely things to improve on. It’s a lot of fun for me.”
Both athletes are doing well in the classroom. “Hopefully I’ll be graduating with my medical laboratory science degree in 2027,” said Dunigan.
Black’s time is winding down, she concluded. “I graduate on May 9, and then I’ll be getting married, working in a full-time ministry, and then law school,” said Black proudly.
Charles Hallman welcomes reader comments to challman@spokesman-recorder.com.