U SPORTS Conversations celebrates Black History Month with eight panelists for live event
U SPORTS Communications
U SPORTS Conversations, a live event celebrating Black History Month, featuring several prominent Black personalities with ties to university sports in Canada, was announced on Wednesday, and is set to take place on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
Hosted by NBA TV Canada / Toronto Raptors personality and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Producer Savanna Hamilton – a former member of the Ryerson Rams women's basketball team from 2014-18 – the event features eight panelists, including prominent Black student-athletes, coaches, sport administrators and alumni of U SPORTS member athletic programs and institutions.
The live conversation represents an opportunity for U SPORTS to hear from those in our ecosystem that has not been available in the past – by celebrating the success stories of the Black community, using our national platform to examine the issues and barriers the BIPOC community faces and highlight the advocacy work being accomplished by U SPORTS members.
"We are proud to showcase today's BIPOC leaders across all levels of university sport in celebration of Black History Month. This is an important opportunity to listen to their experiences, educate our network and support our Black teammates and colleagues as they empower the next generation," said Dick White, U SPORTS Interim CEO.
Speakers scheduled to participate include:
- Tyra Blizzard - 2020 graduate, Ottawa Gee-Gees women's basketball
- Tyrell Laing - Fifth-year guard, UNBC Timberwolves men's basketball
- Kryshanda Green - 2020 graduate and team captain, Ryerson Rams women's hockey
- Lee Anna Osei - Head coach, StFX X-Women basketball & Founder, Black Canadian Coaches' Association
- Charles Kissi - Head coach, Guelph Nighthawks (CEBL), former police officer
- Tenicha Gittens - Head coach, Concordia Stingers women's basketball
- Donnovan Bennett - Sportsnet personality; Former running back, Western Mustangs football
- Dr. Ivan Joseph - Vice-President Student Affairs, Wilfrid Laurier University
U SPORTS Conversations is scheduled for Feb. 16 from 4-6 p.m. MT, live on the @USPORTSca Twitter channel.
