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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gopher Football Visits Local Grade School
5/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
Six members of the Golden Gopher football team visited Sojournor Truth Academy in North Minneapolis on Wednesday afternoon. As a part of the Public Achievement with the Humphrey Institute, the Gophers talked to fifth and sixth graders about gang violence. Participating in the event was MarQueis Gray, Johnny Johnson, Shady Salamon, Brandon Kirksey, Tiree Eure and D.L. Wilhite.
Professor Dennis Donovan and Gopher quarterback MarQueis Gray set up the event as the players shared stories about their own backgrounds, about how to stay away from gangs and violence and how education is the key to them achieving all goals in life. Following the event, they had lunch with the kids and went outside to play games with the kids.
The event was so well received by the school and students, they have invited the team back to discuss the topics again next year. Sojourner Truth Academy is a K-6 public charter elementary school in North Minneapolis with proven academic and fiscal records. Established by parents and community members in 1999, the school continue to offer students a data driven, balanced curriculum with a highly qualified staff that is supported through the Teacher Advancement Program. The student population of 269 is 24 percent Hispanic and 75 percent African American with less than two percent Caucasian and Native American students. Twenty-three percent do not speak English as their primary language. Over 90 percent of students qualify for free or reduced lunch benefits.
Information on Sojournor Truth Academy was taken from its website: http://www.sojournertruthacademy.org/
