In celebration of Black History Month during February 2022, Michigan Athletics celebrated people and culture, while recognizing our country's history. This celebration was highlighted by our "I Am" social media series as well as additional efforts through podcasts, social media, and internal discussions and learning opportunities within the Michigan Athletics department.
"I AM" Series
As part of the "I Am" series posted on social media during Black History Month in 2022, various student-athletes and coaches have selected a word that describes them and provided a brief explanation as to why they chose that word.
"I am a confident black woman. At times, I feel like some conversations surrounding race can tear people down or make people question what they do or how they act aligns with what society expects."
-- Sierra Brooks, Women's Gymnastics
"As an African-American athlete and student, that comes with a target and lots of doubters. If you aren’t strong enough the world will tear you down."
-- DeVante' Jones, Men's Basketball
“Given the opportunity to not only play basketball at Michigan, but to get the education gives me a chance to win championships in life. Having these chances makes me very ambitious and persistent in chasing my dreams and goals.”
-- Jace Howard, Men's Basketball
"I chose this word because I stay the course, no matter how difficult things become."
-- Andrew Fenty, Men's Tennis
"I am resilient because I come from a people who have been consistently told to sit down and we have consistently chosen to stand up."
-- Gabby Wilson, Women's Gymnastics
“I am intelligent because there are many people who believe because I am an athlete my focus is only on sports and put my academics in the rear view mirror. However, I learn important lessons each and every day which helps me become smarter and more knowledgeable in the world so I can make a difference."
-- Terrance Williams II, Men's Basketball
"Hopeful that we will one day live in a world where diversity and differences are recognized, appreciated and valued. Hopeful that regardless of color, sex, social/economic status, region, etc we can elevate our way of thinking that gives EVERY human being a FAIR shot at living a successful life."
-- Saddi Washington, Men's Basketball (Assistant Coach)
"This word reminds me of everything my people and myself are capable of doing. Everything we overcame and continue to overcome. It is a reminder to me of my power and resilience."
-- Mazi Smith, Football
Big Ten Pioneers
Every February, the Big Ten Conference highlights Black student-athletes -- both current and former -- from around the conference. This group encompasses the Big Ten's pioneers, who made an impact at Big Ten schools, in their sports, and in their communities.
2022 Big Ten Pioneer: MaliVai Washington
In 1996, MaliVai Washington became the first First Black man to make Wimbledon final since Arthur Ashe and the first Black man named to U.S. Olympic Tennis Team.
Washington was on the men's tennis team for two seasons at Michigan, earning ITA All-America honors both years. In 1989, he was named the ITA National Player of the Year and Big Ten Athlete of the Year, climbing to the No. 1 spot in the ITA singles rankings. He was the 1988 Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a two-time All-Big Ten selection. He won the Big Ten singles title in 1989 and teamed with Ed Nagel to win the Big Ten doubles title in 1988. He finished with a career record of 63-16 and went on to a professional career that included making the finals at Wimbledon in 1996, four ATP singles titles and a career-high singles ranking of No. 11.
2022 Big Ten Pioneer: Stacey Thomas
Stacey Thomas ranks in the Top 10 in points, rebounds & steals in Michigan history, was the 2000 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and served as an official with the NCAA.
Thomas (1997-2000) put together one of the most complete careers in Michigan women's basketball history, finishing with 1,556 points, 851 rebounds and 372 steals. She was a 2000 Kodak All-America honorable mention, the first in the NCAA era for the program. Thomas was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and a member of the All-Big Ten team in 2000 after earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors in 1997. She was one of the first Wolverines drafted in the WNBA, going 23rd overall to Portland in 2000, and her six-season WNBA career included stints with the Portland Fire, Phoenix Mercury, Detroit Shock, Minnesota Lynx and Charlotte Sting. In 2019, Thomas became the second women's basketball player to be inducted into the Michigan Athletics Hall of Honor, joining Diane Dietz (1996).
