Committee Sports Group used Black History Month to highlight Black coaches and athletes and their historic accomplishments across the sports world.
Charles Hallman
Charles Hallman is a contributing reporter and award-winning sports columnist at the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.
Posted inAnother View
The overlooked challenger of MN Twins’ segregation
Minnesota Twins spring training segregation practices ended after Kwame McDonald and civil rights activists pressured the team to abandon segregated housing in the 1960s.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Former prep players home for a visit
Minnesota athletes return home for college basketball matchups while others make history in Olympic and state championship hockey.
Posted inSports
Black coach representing at St. Bonifacius
Black basketball coaching representation Minnesota remains limited as Crown College assistant Travis Bledsoe highlights the importance of visibility at the Division III level.
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Who’s to thank for U of M’s athletic facilities?
McKinley Boston U of M athletic facilities upgrades in the 1990s modernized Minnesota athletics and elevated the Gophers’ competitiveness in the Big Ten.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Yet more MIAC diversity
St. Catherine women’s basketball diversity is reflected in first-year player Beatrice Clayton and Assistant Coach Geno Bullard as the Wildcats build academic and athletic success.
Posted inSports
Players, coaches fondly recall ‘The Bull’ Henderson
Ronnie Henderson Minnesota basketball legend known as “The Bull” is remembered for state championships, Hall of Fame honors, and mentoring generations of young players.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Adjusting to a faster game
Emmamuella Sennowo St. Olaf basketball journey reflects her adjustment to a faster MIAC pace and a new offensive role as a first-year forward.
Posted inSports
Coaches often struggle with work-life balance
Black women coaches mental health challenges were highlighted at the Black Student Athlete Summit, where panelists discussed stress, self-care and leadership in college athletics.
Posted inOdds and Ends
More MIAC diversity – Representing Black hockey
Black hockey MIAC representation takes center ice as St. Olaf senior Kelijah McElroy reflects on his collegiate career and inspiring the next generation.
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Same old elephant in the room
The NFL diversity problem remains in focus after zero Black hires among 10 coaching vacancies, prompting renewed scrutiny of the Rooney Rule and ownership practices.
Posted inBlack History
Long-overdue recognition for the Minnesota Up-Towns
The Minnesota Up-Towns were a dominant Black basketball team in the 1920s whose legacy has long been overlooked in state history.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Table-top book captures 170 Boston Celtics ‘moments’
A new illustrated book explores the Boston Celtics’ overlooked Black history, from NBA firsts to the complex legacy shaped by race and rivalry.
Posted inBlack College Sports Report
Black schools getting ‘plucked’ by NIL, portal
HBCU coaches say unregulated NIL rules and the transfer portal are allowing bigger schools to recruit directly from their rosters, threatening program stability.
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Como Park grad has no regrets
Ronnie Porter’s final game at Williams Arena marked a full-circle moment for the St. Paul native, who rose from walk-on to Wisconsin starter and leader.
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Former St. Thomas guard finds happiness with Huskers
Kendall Blue made the most of his homecoming, hitting a late three at Williams Arena as Nebraska remained unbeaten in a historic season.
Posted inOdds and Ends
Gopher hockey forward ‘just an athletic guy’
Javon Moore is making history in Gopher hockey as the program’s second Black men’s player while building toward an NHL future.
Posted inCoaching while Black
New Saints head coach finds St. Scholastica a good fit
St. Scholastica men’s basketball coach Jared Drake reflects on faith, leadership, and being the MIAC’s only Black head coach.
Posted inSports
Two hoop champions bridge 57-year gap
Emmette Bryant met Jaylen Brown in Chicago, linking two Celtics champions who wore No. 7 nearly six decades apart.
Posted inAnother View
Northwestern associate coach ready to step up
Tangela Smith’s basketball career spans the WNBA, international play, and now a leadership role as associate head coach at Northwestern.