howard university Archives - Athletes for Hope

2024 AFH University End of Year Recognition

Posted: April 30, 2024 Updated: April 30, 2024 by kReeves

AFH University Campuses in Baton Rouge & the Greater Washington D.C. Area Celebrate the End of the Academic Year

For AFH University, the culmination of the academic year isn’t just marked by final exams and graduation ceremonies. It’s a time to honor the dedication, skill, and spirit of our student-athletes, coaches, and valued community partners who have consistently come together to make their communities stronger over the last year.

In April, we were proud to host two events to recognize these groups in the Baton Rouge and the Greater Washington, D.C. Area communities! Check out the recaps below and join us in congratulating each campus in all of their amazing work this year.

Keep an eye out for our AFH University National Student-Athlete & Team of the Year Awards voting campaign in early June!

Teams of the Year

LSU Men’s Tennis
Southern Bowling
Georgetown Women’s Rowing
Howard Women’s Lacrosse
Bowie State Track & Field

Student Athlete of the Year

Madison Martin, LSU Volleyball
Cailan Gatlin, Southern Soccer

Coach of the Year

Kerry Mulligan, Georgetown Women’s Rowing
Alexis Joseph, Howard Women’s Lacrosse
Amandji Goito, Bowie St. Track & Field

Community Partners of the Year

The Walls Project, LSU & Southern
Grassroots Health, Georgetown University
Bowie St. Nutrition Lounge, Bowie State
DCPS Brightwood Elementary, Howard University

AFH University Baton Rouge | LSU & Southern University

On Thursday, April 11^th the Athletes for Hope University team in Baton Rouge gathered to celebrate the remarkable achievements in service of student athletes from Southern University and LSU. We used the evening to shine a light on those who not only excelled on the field or court but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving the Baton Rouge community. The celebratory event was a testament to the power of sport to unite us, inspire us, and drive positive change. According to AFH Southern intern, Ashante Gatlin “Our role and impact in the community are beacons of light for fans and young aspiring athletes.”

Our Student-Athlete of the Year awardees have engaged in several initiatives throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. Cailan played a pivotal role in our inclusive 9/11 Arc events, assisting with ensuring emergency preparedness activities were informative yet fun for youth.

She dedicated numerous hours volunteering at institutions like OLOL Children’s Hospital, BR Food Bank, St. Vincent De Paul, and The Walls Project.

“Doing service in the community is super important because we should take every chance, we can to better the environment that we all live in. Receiving this reward today means a lot to me because it tells me that all of the work, I’ve put into volunteering has not gone unnoticed.”
– Cailan Gatlin, Southern Soccer

Madison Martin, LSU Volleyball team, has also been at the forefront of community service initiatives in Baton Rouge. She participated in on-campus service socials, MLK Day of Service, and A Night to Shine, among others.

“Receiving Athletes for Hope Student Athlete of the Year is such an incredible honor, as service means so much to me. Baton Rouge has become my second home, and being able to serve this wonderful community has made my time at LSU so much more meaningful. Being recognized by Athletes for Hope for what I love to do off the court is an amazing honor.”
-Madison Martin, LSU Volleyball

Our partnership with this year’s recipient of the Partner of the Year award, The Walls Project has been our most enduring collaboration to date, spanning several years of engagement with student athletes actively participating in local initiatives such as MLK Day since 2015. In 2021, we dedicated a mural in remembrance of September 11th, a tribute now displayed at Fire Station 11 on Highland Road.

AFH University Washington, D.C.-Area | Bowie State, Howard & Georgetown

On Thursday, April 25 the Athletes for Hope University team in Washington DC gathered to celebrate all the wonderful work that was done during the 2023-2024 school year. Not only were the student-athletes of our DC schools actively involved, but the coaches also played a large role in getting involved as well. This event was meant to celebrate the passion and commitment of the student-athletes and coaches in the DC community.

Our Teams and Coaches of the Year at each of the schools consistently engaged in service within the community. Georgetown Women’s Rowing focused on park clean-ups in Washington DC and the surrounding area. Their coach, Kerry Mulligan, was integral in leading the team and encouraging them to get out and volunteer. Howard Women’s Lacrosse spent the entire spring semester putting on CHAMPS sessions at DCPCS Brightwood Campus. The team and their coach, Alexis Joseph, went twice a week for the entire semester to spend time with the kids and team them our CHAMPS curriculum. Bowie State Track & Field was the school’s most active team, participating in panels, workshops, and volunteer opportunities throughout the Bowie community. They actively worked on projects supporting food insecurity by attending an MLK Day event with the Bowie State Nutrition Lounge where they packed over 1,300 meals for families in the community.

This year’s Washington DC Community Partners of the Year showed why the work we do matters. Grassroots Health, Bowie St. Nutrition Lounge, and DCPCS Brightwood were all steadfast partners to AFH U. Each organization welcomed our student-athletes and encouraged them to continue coming into their programs. We look forward to our continued work with all of them.

AFH University Service Recognition

Posted: March 11, 2024 Updated: March 11, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

February 2024 | Student-Athlete & Team of the Month

Each month we ask our AFH University campus liaisons for nominations of student-athletes and teams who excelled in service. Through our monthly nominations, we can acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.

During February, our Student-Athlete and Team of the Month award winners demonstrated consistency in volunteering with various causes in their communities.

February Student-Athlete of the Month

Ckelby Givens

Our February Student-Athlete of the Month is Ckelby Givens from Southern University football. Ckelby was nominated by his peers because of his desire to change the stigma of mental health across his campus.

“Ckelby was eager to join the mental health panel focused on Black history to discuss his upbringing, experiences and the absence of discussions aimed at dismantling stigma within his community. His goal is to alter that narrative on the Southern University campus.“

In episode 1 of the AFH University Mental Health U panel series, Ckelby joined other student-athletes from Southern University and Davidson College to discuss the mental health resources the student-athletes use on & off of campus, the importance of having people you can talk to, how the stigma of mental health is changing, and more. Watch episode 1 here.

Ckelby is honored to be named February’s Student-Athlete of the Month and is excited to continue spreading mental health awareness across his campus and beyond!

February Team of the Month

Howard Women’s Lacrosse

The February Team of the Month is the Howard women’s lacrosse team. The team was nominated by their peers for their consistent time spent volunteering at a local elemntary school where they are helping bring leadership skills, physical fitness and mental health lessons to children through the CHAMPS program.

“Howard women’s lacrosse has been visiting DCPCS – Brightwood Campus to conduct CHAMPS sessions. They have done four sessions with 2nd and 4th graders to discuss courage and honesty. The consistent visits have been invaluable to the children at the school and the women on the team have attended with such excitement and commitment.“

The Howard women’s lacrosse team has historically been involved in service throughout the Washington, D.C. community. The team has participated in MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities, packaging meals at local food banks, distributing food and clothing to those less fortunate, creating cancer awareness dedication games, and more!.

Aside from community service, the women’s lacrosse team are passionate about using their voices to make a difference. Several team member have participated in AFH University mental health panel series to bring awareness to athlete mental health, the stigma of mental health in the Black community and the mental health of women both in and out of sport.

The team is happy to receive this award and recognition from their peers as they get ready for more community service opportunities in March!

AFH News

Posted: January 12, 2024 Updated: January 12, 2024 by Hannah Bronkema

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athletes for Hope Unites in Service on MLK Day 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Athletes will step up to serve as volunteers on the annual Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. Athletes for Hope University (AFH University) student-athletes from Georgetown University, Howard University, and Bowie State University will hold food drives for their on-campus food pantries and volunteer with local food organizations as they tackle the disparities of food insecurity, joining hundreds of thousands of Americans across the country in volunteer service.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr., Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and improve their communities. AmeriCorps has been charged with leading this effort for more than a quarter century. While much work remains to fulfill Dr. King’s dream of creating the Beloved Community, AmeriCorps remains committed to showing that joining together in service can unify Americans of different backgrounds and experiences to transform unjust systems through a fierce urgency of now.

AFH University student-athletes at Georgetown University and Howard University will collect pantry items for their respective on-campus food pantries, Hoya Hub Food Pantry, and the Store@HU. Volunteers will also participate in a pop-up market on MLK Jr. Avenue hosted by Martha’s Table in collaboration with the Annual MLK Day of Service Parade in Downtown, D.C.

“Today we answer Dr. King’s call to serve and are making a difference in the lives of D.C. residents,” said Sara Keane, Assistant Director, AFH University at Athletes for Hope. “Let’s honor Dr. King’s legacy by working toward a more just and equitable society, where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of their race, religion, or background. By participating in service projects, we can bridge divides, heal wounds, and create lasting change that will benefit our communities for years to come. Together, let’s unite across differences, serve with our neighbors, and transform our communities as we strive toward a brighter future for all.”

AFH University student-athletes at Bowie State University will be participating in an event in conjunction with their on-campus food pantry, the Nutrition Lounge. In addition to the pantry event, the University is partnering with RISE Against Hunger to prepare and package up to 20,000 meals for those in need across the greater Washington, D.C. community.

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve,” Dr. King said. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Whether you plan on cleaning up a public space, mentoring a young person, training tutors, or assisting those who are food insecure or unhoused, what you do makes a world of difference. Find opportunities to volunteer for MLK Day of Service and engage with your community while honoring the legacy of Dr. King at AmeriCorps.gov/MLKDay.

For media inquiries please contact Diana Venezia, dvenezia@athletesforhope.org, (908) 462-4189

###

About Athletes for Hope

Founded by Muhammad Ali, Andre Agassi, Mia Hamm, and nine other elite athletes in 2006, Athletes for Hope (AFH) is a cause-neutral non-profit that educates, encourages, and empowers athletes to find their passions and use their time to positively engage with their communities. Over the past 16 years, AFH has educated more than 12,000 professional, Olympic, Paralympic, and collegiate athletes through its Causeway workshop series, and helped athletes volunteer with hundreds of underserved schools and impactful community organizations through core programs that focus on helping underserved children become more physically active, changing the public stigma around mental health, and brightening the lives of children in hospitals. Through their dedication and passion for doing good, AFH athletes have positively impacted the lives of millions around the world.

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for volunteerism and national service, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

Athletes in Action

Posted: July 27, 2023 Updated: July 27, 2023 by Hannah Bronkema

AFH University Summer Roundup

Developed in 2013, our AFH University program helps college athletes explore leadership, life skill development, advocacy, their role in the community, and how to discover their philanthropic passions.

Over the summer AFH student-athletes went above and beyond the call of service as they made a positive impact in their hometowns and university neighborhoods.

Athletes from Howard, Georgetown, Davidson, Southern, Clark Atlanta, and LSU visited children’s hospitals, engaged in community events, and more!

May 2023

Children’s Wisconsin

Howard University football player, Gerone Hamilton Jr. participated in a virtual hospital visit with Children’s Wisconsin Hospital. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the activity included BINGO with coping skills.

Gerone was very personable and caring in his interaction with the kids and shared his own experiences as well as asked the kids great questions.

LA Key Academy & Arc of Baton Rouge

On Thursday, May 25th Athletes for Hope facilitated our second inclusive 9/11 emergency preparedness event at Louisiana Key Academy. Our annual field day brought out over 30 volunteers consisting of student-athletes, SU Volunteers, the Southern University chapter of The NAACP, and The Arc of Baton Rouge.

Volunteers assisted with inflatables, various sports stations, and fire safety activities. Students were excited to tour a fire truck, honk the truck horn, and learn about the firefighter uniform and tools with the Baton Rouge Fire Department.

The Mayor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency team shared tips on how to prepare and evacuate in the case of an emergency. The MOHSE team brought a firehouse simulation which prompted students to put their new skills to use.

Participants from LA Key Academy smiling for a photo together.

Baton Rouge Fire Department crew member stands in front of the Ready Rangers mobile as he speaks to field day participants.

June 2023

Boys and Girls Club of Arizona

Clark Atlanta University basketball player Zion Walters smiles with other volunteers in front of a Main Event sign.

Clark Atlanta women’s basketball player Zion Walters accompanied all of the Boys and Girls Clubs in the West Valley on a field trip to Main Event in Avondale for the day.

“When we arrived, I began helping with lunch. Me and other volunteers served pizza to all of the kids from 9:45 until 12:45. We served over 240 slices of pizza, and still had more for seconds and thirds. I met some amazing people and made great memories.”
-Zion Walters, Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball

Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital

Southern University football players made a visit to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and facilitated a spin-the-wheel trivia game for hospital patients.

“It was an amazing and fun experience. I was able to learn some new things while having a great day of trivia with the kids. I can’t wait to come back.”
-Robens Beauplan, Southern Football Punter

Southern football players smile for a photo before they began a game of spin-the-wheel trivia at Our Lady of the Lake Children's Hospital.

July 2023

Voice in Sports Foundation

Female student-athletes from Georgetown University smile for a photo with Senator Chris Murphy.

Student-athletes from Georgetown University, along with other female student-athletes and administrators from across the country, met at Capitol Hill and partnered with the Voice in Sport Foundation to receive educational Title IX training, learn about the Fair Play Act, and meet with the sponsor of the bill, Senator Chris Murphy.

Women were able to hear from the senator and ask him questions on how we can better advocate and make change as female athletes.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Charlotte

Davidson college football put on a two-hour football clinic with the kids of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Charlotte. They spent their time teaching the kids new skills and the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Members of the Davison football team pose for a photo with participants of the football clinic.

Geaux Day

Teams from Southern and LSU volunteered at Geaux Day on Wednesday, July 26th. This annual collaborative field day attracted over 200 kids for a day of modified sports on LSU’s campus.

The youth had the opportunity to visit sports stations, learn more about LSU and Southern Athletics, and observe a football practice followed by a meet & greet.

“I served today because I really enjoy being around the kids as a college athlete. I feel like it gives them the idea that they also can do the same thing. Seeing their faces light up when they accomplish something makes me happy”.
– Paris Washington, Southern Tennis

photo of LSU student-athlete high-fiving one of the Beaux Day participants after a drill. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Student-athletes and Beaux Day participants line up on the LSU football field before breaking into their groups. — Photos by Dylan Boral and Sean Cripple.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Phoenix

Clark Atlanta basketball player Zion Walters poses with peace signs in the dance studio with clinic participants from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Phoenix.

Zion Walters from Clark Atlanta Women’s Basketball spent a week running a dance clinic at the Boys & Girls Club.

At the end of the clinic, the children performed the dance they learned for the faculty and other kids at the club.

As the summer months come to an end and our student-athletes gear up for another great semester, we couldn’t be more proud of their continued dedication to serving their communities and are excited to see all of the good they accomplish together this fall.

AFH University Service Recognition

Posted: February 9, 2023 Updated: March 6, 2023 by jbelinkie

January Student-Athlete & Team of the Month

Each month we ask our AFH University campus liaisons for nominations of student-athletes and teams who excelled in service. Through our monthly nominations, we are able to acknowledge all of the good our student-athletes and teams are doing in their communities.

Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces made us appreciate the opportunity that we had as kids and being able to take advantage of that [opportunity] to put us in the position to be influential to others is a blessing.
Jerry Burkett II, Southern Baseball

Student-Athlete of the Month

Our January student-athlete of the month is Jerry Burkett II from Southern University. He has been an integral part of service for his baseball team and continues to be a leader both on and off the field.

“Jerry Burkett II is a leader on the campus of Southern University and a leader in service for his team. Jerry has participated in all service events with his team while also capturing content. Last November, he assisted with meal prep for St.Vincent de Paul’s annual Thanksgiving dinner. He also serves on this year’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for Southern.”

Team of the Month

The January team of the month was none other than Howard University’s women’s lacrosse team. On Martin Luther King Day, the team spent countless hours handing out clothes and food to the city of D.C.’s most vulnerable through community partner So What Else.

“The Women’s Lacrosse Team should be recognized for January because of their MLK Day of Service with So What Else’s Meal and Clothing Distribution. The distribution was kind of slow due to no one coming to get food or clothing so I got the girls to mobilize the sandwiches around the city to anyone who may have been in need of a meal.”

We are so proud of all of our student-athletes and teams as they continue to selflessly give back to their communities.