A Primer

At the Black Student Athlete Summit we focus on creating an environment where student-athletes of all backgrounds and athletic talent levels have equal access to support, tools, and opportunities. This means that the Division III softball player has the same access as the Division I men’s basketball player, regardless of racial background. Similarly, an athletic administrator at an NAIA institution will be afforded the same opportunity as their peer from the Big Ten or SEC.

From its inception, the Black Student Athlete Summit has brought together both students and professionals from all backgrounds across the college sports ecosystem. We welcome attendees of all races, ethnic backgrounds, genders, and experience levels, providing them with resources, networking, and skill-building opportunities that are essential for growth.

The Black Student Athlete Summit serves as a premier stage for some of the brightest minds in college athletics. The Summit allows them to share insights, best practices, and groundbreaking ideas with their peers. This creates an environment where student-athletes and young career professionals occupy the same space, thus breaking down silos between student and professional.

While discussions about the past are important, our programming focuses on future-facing topics: mental health and wellness, academics, professional development, entrepreneurship and financial literacy, and social impact. Speaker proposals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds have always been welcomed and are selected purely on merit. Past participants such as Rich Paul, Frank Ryan, Chiney Ogwumike, Matt Barnes, Jennifer Cohen, and Teahna Daniels, testify to our commitment to bringing the best minds on stage, regardless of racial or ethnic background.

In an effort to adhere to recent executive orders signed by the president of the United States, we have made edits to our materials and website. However, our core remains: The Black Student Athlete Summit is the nation’s premier event for all student-athletes and professionals in collegiate athletics.