During the past couple of months, members of the Humboldt State University Department of Athletics and their teams have been contributing to civic engagement on the Humboldt State University campus.  Earlier this summer, the Voting Initiative Committee was formed to assist HSU students on how to register to vote and voting issues.  Both the Humboldt State women’s soccer and women’s basketball teams held events with donations of those events going to HSU’s African American Center for Academic Excellence.

 The Athletics department has worked with Associated Students, Housing, and the Office of Student Life to develop programming to facilitate voter education and improved voter turnout amongst student athletes and other campus groups. The athletics department is committed to allocating time for each team to complete education sessions about the voting process during the beginning of the semester. These sessions took place prior to October 3rd, to give student-athletes appropriate time to register to vote in the November 3rd election.  All eleven of the Humboldt State Intercollegiate Athletic Teams are 100% registered to vote in this year’s election.  The Athletic Department will provide scheduling flexibility on election day for student-athletes, coaches and staff to exercise their right to vote.

 The Voting Initiative Committee is comprised of members representing different areas from throughout the Humboldt State community, but also includes four members from the Athletic Department in Amanda Nelson (Compliance Officer), Joe Danahey (Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations), Rich Mendoza (Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach) and Shannon Childs (Head Athletic Trainer).  In addition to developing programing which is accessible to all students on campus, but was presented to every student athlete, this group helped facilitate several other events leading up to election day. Among them; the HSU Debate Team conducted a voter education themed exhibition debate earlier this semester and Associated Students hosted two town halls, one with State Senator Mike McGuire and the second with House Representative Jared Huffman.

 Back in September, the Lumberjack women’s soccer team made bracelets with donations going to the Humboldt State's African American Center for Academic Excellence.  From October 15-19, the Humboldt State women’s basketball team held “Race for Change” with donations also going to the African American Center for Academic Excellence.  The Race For Change was a 5K virtual bike, swim, run or walk to help bring awareness and make progress towards racial justice.  Heading into this weekend, both teams raised a combined $2000.00 for the African Center for Academic Excellence.

 “The Center is proud of the initiative and leadership demonstrated by both our Women's Basketball and Soccer Teams,” said Doug Smith, Coordinator of the Humboldt State University African American Center for Academic Excellence. “The time and energy the teams allocated to raise financial resources for the Center and the students that it supports is invaluable. Their actions are a reminder that there are multiple ways for us to engage in supporting Black lives. We hope to collaborate more with our athletic teams in developing a campus community that reflects the changes we want to create in society.”

 The mission of the African American Center for Academic Excellence is to cultivate, coordinate and contribute to institutional efforts to support Humboldt State University students that identify as African American, Black, and/or of African descent.

 Quotes from members of the HSU women’s soccer and women’s basketball teams:

 From HSU head women’s soccer coach Grant Landy

“I want to thank all of the supporters who took part in our racial justice campaign,” noted Landy.  “These are important conversations to continue to have.  I want to thank my players for stepping up to the challenge and for the time they gave to making the bracelets.  The AACAE does important work on campus and we were happy to support their efforts.”

 From HSU women’s soccer senior Mary Swisher

“As we are finishing up and sending out our last couple of bracelets, the women's soccer team has been reflecting on our experience,” said Swisher.  “We raised $810 for the African American Center for Academic Excellence. We hope that our contribution to the AACAE will help this HSU organization as they continue to work to support and celebrate Black Lives in our Humboldt community. The Humboldt women's soccer team will also continue to be better allies for the Black Lives Matter movement. The support that we received from alumni, families, and friends from all over the country cannot go unnoticed by us. We are immensely appreciative of everyone that donated to the AACAE and showed their support of women's soccer. Thank you, all. #JacksDontStop.”

 From HSU head women’s basketball coach Michelle Bento-Jackson

"First, I would like to say how proud I am of our women's basketball team and coaches,” added Bento-Jackson. “We are passionate and feel strongly about doing whatever we can to combat racism.  I have been impressed with our team in using their voices and taking a lead in working toward progress in social justice.  Although the Race For Change event was virtual, we were pleased with those who participated and we really appreciate those who showed their support.  On behalf of our team, we would also like to send a big thank you to all of those who were kind enough to give a donation.  We raised a total of $1,180 and all proceeds will be going to the African American Center for Academic Excellence on HSU campus.”

From HSU women’s basketball player Sophia Hughes

“The women's basketball team here at Humboldt State condemns racism, white supremacy, and police brutality,” noted Hughes.  “Although, just saying this is not enough.  We must use our platform to bring awareness to these issues that are so deeply rooted in our society.  We are committed to continue bringing awareness and fighting for change and equality.  As part of our commitment, we participated in the Race For Change event inviting our friends, family, and supporters to join us in shedding light on the important racial issues that we fervently stand against.  VOTE!!"

Stay tuned for more of what the Lumberjacks are bringing to the HSU community.