We Are Listening: Social Justice Awareness
Michigan's student-athletes lead initiative for unity and diversity through sport
In the wake of nationwide protests sparked earlier this year by social injustice that led to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others before them, members of the University of Michigan Athletics community shared their thoughts, emotions and personal stories.
We continue to listen.
Led by a student-athlete initiative, the U-M Athletic Department developed two designs that reflect campus unity and diversity, to be worn on team uniforms, helmets and warmups by all U-M varsity programs during the 2020-21 academic year. Teams will vote independently to wear either an "EQUALITY" or "BLM" (Black Lives Matter) mark on their uniforms or helmets.
In addition, individual U-M student-athletes may select one of seven other slogans and themes for use on warmup apparel, depending on individual sport regulations.
As the first team to compete during the 2020-21 athletic season, the U-M football program debuted a decal on its helmets during its opening game at Minnesota on Oct. 24. The decal features the word "EQUALITY" with six raised fists, each depicting a skin tone to reflect the diversity represented in our community and express a campus commitment to unity.
Athletes wearing this decal demonstrates our role in our community. It is a chance for us to be able to contribute to increasing awareness about social injustice.Senior Kwity Paye, football
The Michigan ice hockey program, which began its 2020-21 season on Nov. 14, also features the "EQUALITY" decal on the back of its helmets.
The thing I love the most about this initiative is that they sent this out to everyone -- not just student-athletes of color, not only specific people -- so that everyone was able to be a part of the process. Everyone got an email that encouraged them to vote and suggest their own ideas.Graduate student Roland Amarteifio, men's track and field
The Michigan men's and women's basketball programs unveiled "BLM" patches on their uniforms and warmup jackets when their seasons started Nov. 25.
Men's and women's basketball student-athletes debuted the social justice themes on their shooting shirts prior to their Nov. 25 season openers. The approved slogans that can be used on warmup apparel, as determined by U-M student-athletes, are:
- Stand Together
- Wolverine Against Racism
- Say Their Names
- No Justice, No Peace
- Justice
- Hear Us
- Unity
For me, being able to wear a social justice message while I compete means that we are taking a step in the right direction. We, as student-athletes, have the opportunity to speak out about what we believe in. It's an opportunity for those who have been silenced to be heard, and to have those voices be heard on such a large stage as the NCAA is something that many would have never imagined. In order for change to come, a problem must first be addressed. I am proud to know that I am lending a helping hand in acknowledging the issues at hand.Junior Naz Hillmon, women's basketball