Annual Symposium Addresses Racial and Social Justice in Sports

Dominique Dawes and Former NBA Standout Etan Thomas Headline Symposium

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – The 5^th Annual Social Justice Alliance Symposium on Pursuing Racial and Social Justice in Sports will be held on Friday, April 28, at Bowie State University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center to honor the legacy of 1^st Lt. Richard Collins III and bring more attention to social justice issues confronting college and professional athletes.

A panel comprised of former collegiate and professional athletes including Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes, former NBA player and social justice advocate Etan Thomas, WNBA star Marissa Coleman, sports journalist and Washington Post commentator Kevin Blackistone, professional volleyball standout Rainelle Jones and former Bowie State track athlete Zion Tayler will discuss a myriad of topics ranging from women in sports, Title IX and pay inequality.

An administrators panel including Bowie State President Dr. Aminta Breaux, University of Maryland President Dr. Darryll J. Pines, Bowie State Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Clyde Doughty, University of Maryland Head Football Coach Michael Locksley, University of Maryland Athletic Director Damon Evans and Bowie State Head Women’s Basketball Coach Shadae Swan will also address the gathering of students and individuals from the community at the symposium.

The Social Justice Alliance Symposium will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and will be hosted by the Bowie State University and University of Maryland Social Justice Alliance and the 2^nd Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III Foundation.

Bowie State and the University of Maryland, in collaboration with the 2^nd Lt. Richard Collins III Foundation, strives to transform our nation using evidence-based social justice models.

###

About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.