IN THE LAB.
A glimpse of the transformative PROJECTS we have completed recently in the lab. Stay tuned for more updates on our work of humanizing sport and remaining community!
“HERstory Cannot be Erased”
Celebrating the Trailblazing 1982 Cheyney State Lady Wolves
On March 28, 1982, the Cheyney State Lady Wolves, led by Naismith Hall of Fame Coach C. Vivian Stringer, made history by competing in the FIRST NCAA Division I National Championship game. Their remarkable journey resulted in a 28-3 record and an impressive 23-game win streak, marking them as the first and only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) basketball program, women or men, to reach an NCAA Division I Final Four or Championship game.
To honor the 40th anniversary of this groundbreaking accomplishment, we curated a celebration in partnership with itsBiggerthantheball, reuniting the athletes and coaches on campus for the first time in decades. The event garnered significant media coverage, including recognition from local and national outlets like ESPN and CBS Sports. The Philadelphia 76ers even paid tribute to the team during a game.
The impact of the celebration extended beyond the event itself. During the 2023 Women's Basketball Tournament, Coach Dawn Staley wore Yolanda Laney's 1982 Cheyney State Jersey to commemorate her 400th win. The image of this gesture went viral, generating widespread demand for the historical jersey.
Taking this momentous opportunity, we partnered with Yolanda Laney, itsBIGGERthantheball, First & Foremost, and New Jersey Sets™ to convert the viral sensation into a platform for change. Laney used the proceeds from her jersey sales to make charitable donations to two organizations in her community that use sports to inspire positive change.
The 1982 Cheyney State Lady Wolves' legacy continues to inspire and empower, reminding us that HERstory cannot be erased, and we are committed to celebrating and preserving these important moments in sports history.
Inaugural MEAC Student Leadership Symposium
We were honored to have played a role in facilitating and managing on-site logistics for the inaugural Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) 2023 Dr. Dennis E. Thomas Student Leadership Symposium, held in conjunction with the 2023 MEAC Basketball Tournament. This symposium is a significant initiative established by the MEAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Dennis E. Thomas, the esteemed conference commissioner from 2002 until his retirement in 2021.
During the event, student leaders from the MEAC's eight-member institutions participated in enriching programming focused on expanding their leadership skills and engaging in discussions on conflict resolution, problem-solving, and various leadership styles. Additionally, the symposium offered valuable opportunities for students to enhance their personal and professional networks, while gaining insight into entrepreneurship and branding.
This impactful leadership symposium fostered growth, empowerment, and connection among the future leaders of the MEAC community.
A Convening: Optimizing Impact of Sports
In 2021, PILR Training and PA4WN Lab proudly presented "A Convening: Optimizing Impact of Sports" in collaboration with the Temple University School of Social Work. Going beyond the typical discussions of competition and employment, "A Convening" provided a Covid-safe space for over 80 members of the athletic ecosystem to delve into how sports can be harnessed for the greater good. Participants engaged in vital conversations exploring how power dynamics within sports contribute to the widening wealth and access gap in our Black and Brown communities.
The event's keynote panel featured esteemed guests Councilmember Isiah Thomas and Dr. Cherese N. Godwin, who shared insights on the convergence of sport, public policy, and philanthropy, illustrating how these elements came together to save the 2020-2021 Basketball Season. Additionally, they highlighted ways for the athletic ecosystem to become more informed and actively engaged in civic happenings within their communities.
"A Convening" was an inspiring and thought-provoking gathering, sparking ideas and actions to maximize the positive impact of sports for the betterment of our society. Credit to Beulah Osueke, PILR Training, for her thought partnership in this and other endeavors to humanize sport!
Luxury of Project: Exploring "I Came As A Shadow"
In an impactful partnership with ItsBiggerThanTheBall, we embarked on a dynamic four-part conversation centered around the New York Times Best Seller, "I Came As A Shadow" by John Thompson, with Jesse Washington.
Each week, we delved into a thought-provoking quote from the book that resonated deeply with John Thompson: "I never had the luxury of just being a basketball coach. I felt a deep responsibility to use the coaching occupation to open up broader opportunities for black people. I didn't have the luxury of not thinking about it, because I've always been haunted by my past."
Over 300 members from the athletic ecosystem actively participated in these enriching discussions, and over 1000 digital workbooks were downloaded to complement the book's exploration. To our delight, Co-Author Jesse Washington joined us for the final conversation, adding invaluable perspectives regarding the writing process with Coach Thompson and the state of the athletic ecosystem as a parent of three student-athletes.
Following the project's success, we extended our collaboration with ItsBiggerThanTheBall by conducting guest lectures for esteemed universities nationwide. Notable engagements included keynotes for the Center for Leadership in Athletics at the University of Washington and the Coaching Education Laboratory at Georgia Southern.
The "Luxury of Project" provided a powerful platform for reflection, inspiration, and action, leaving a lasting impact on all participants within the athletic community.