When protestors across the globe took to the streets to demand social justice and racial equity, Cal State Fullerton’s head basketball coach Dedrique Taylor considered how he might respond, and inspire his team comprised primarily of Black student athletes.
Taylor understood the significance of the message he would deliver to his team, and the opportunity before them. His message was clear; as young adults, their opinions matter and their voices must be heard.
In an unprecedented response, the team, along with all coaches and support staff, registered to vote in the 2020 general election and participate in their constitutional right, the team announced on Sept. 22, National Voter Registration Day.
Jalen Harris, a community college transfer student who will join many of his teammates in voting for the first time, said, “talking about the social injustice we are seeing across the country can certainly bring awareness, but voting has a chance to bring real change.”
The experience of voting in the November election carries a far greater significance for the players than simply casting a ballot, Taylor said.
“I hope this experience is a first step in teaching these players how to become professional adults,” he said. “This is not about a moment in time, but yet the start of a movement where these players have an opportunity to be part of generational change that will impact their families, spouses, and children long after I’m gone.”
Titan Athletics recently launched Voices of the Heard, a new anti-racism initiative that spotlights voices in the Titan Athletics community, including student athletes, coaches, administrators, staff and campus leaders.
Related stories:
Voices of the Heard: https://www.fullertontitans.com/general/2020-21/releases/20200824la2pnf#:~:text=Voices%20of%20the%20Heard%20is,department’s%20stand%20with%20anti%2Dracism.
Campus Civic Engagement Fall 2020: http://community.fullerton.edu/advocacy/
Dialogue Focuses on Voting Integrity: http://news.fullerton.edu/2020su/Civil-Dialogue-Voting-Integrity.aspx
About Cal State Fullerton: The largest university in the CSU and the only campus in Orange County, Cal State Fullerton offers 110 degree programs, and Division 1 athletics. Recognized as a national model for supporting student success, CSUF excels with innovative, high-impact educational practices, including faculty-student collaborative research, study abroad and competitive internships. Our vibrant and diverse campus is a primary driver of workforce and economic development in the region. CSUF is a top public university known for its success in supporting first-generation and underrepresented students, and preparing all students to become leaders in the global marketplace. Visit http://www.fullerton.edu/ .
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