Black History Month
History
University recreation as you know it was originally organized nationally by black leaders. NIRSA, formerly known as the National Intramural – Recreational Sports Association, was founded in 1950 at Dillard University in New Orleans when 20 intramural directors gathered to share skills and wisdom to advance the good work of their profession. NIRSA is the national association that helps produce excellence and leaders in collegiate recreation across the country.
Facts
Sibusiso Vilane
Climbing
12/5/1970
First black man to summit Everest.
Also completed the Seven Summits.
Anthony Nesty
Swimming
11/25/67
First swimmer, of African descent, to win an Olympic gold medal.
Ora Washington
Tennis
1/23/1898
“Queen of Tennis” Eight ATA National Crowns and Women’s doubles champion for 11 years straight.
Cara Heads-Slaughter
Weight LIfting
10/7/1977
First Black woman to lift at the Olympic Games. 75kg (165lbs) weight class 120kg (264 lbs) Clean and Jerk
William Hubbard
Long Jump
11/25/1903
First Black athlete to win an Individual Gold Medal.
Baron Davis
Basketball
4/13/1979
Longest made shot in NBA history – 89 feet (2/17/2001)
Jackie Robinson
Baseball
1/31/1919
First black man to play in Major League Baseball in the Modern Era.
Special Events
Black History and NIRSA Rec Sports & Fitness Day
Monday, February 22
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
February 22 kicks off the 3 day celebration of Black History and the founding of NIRSA with Recreational Sports and Fitness Day. The history of Black athletes in history will be on display throughout the building and quick, small activities are available to see how well you stack up against some outstanding accomplishments of athletes in history.
Black Em-TOWER-ment
Tuesday, February 23
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Black em-TOWER-ment challenges you to achieve new heights at the UREC Climbing Tower. Join us in the Climbing Area to complete different routes on our 35 ft. climbing tower while enjoying camaraderie and music. Routes are set at different skill levels and designed for everyone to be able to accomplish. No experience is required. Throughout the wall, golden tickets will be randomly placed and black history month prizes will be given to those that find them.
Black Students Matter
Wednesday, February 24
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a jam packed final day of programs as UREC celebrates LSU Black students! Multiple student organizations and departments will join in the celebration and students will be able to share why ‘My Black is AWESOME’. Come join the festivities and then join in on Trap Yoga and Trap Cycle. No registration is required.
