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University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Chris Darkins
2/5/2019 5:30:00 AM | Football
In honor of Black History Month, Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great. Throughout February, GopherSports.com will share short interviews with African-American alumni from various Gopher programs. In these interviews, former student-athletes reflect on their time at the U of M, provide advice to current Gophers and share what Black History Month means to them personally.
Christopher Darkins
Sports: Track and Football
Years: 1992-1996
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Occupation: Community Leader
What is it you miss most about the University?
Observing the intellectualization of life through the prism a of multi-cultural student body.
If you could give the current student-athletes any piece of advice, what would it be?
Identify the problems in this world you are trying to change, understand that a University educated person is programmed to perpetuate the system that created those problems, and reverse engineer a solution that solves the problems essential to your success.
What was your favorite university or athletic event you've attended since you graduated and what made it so special to you?
Game day on the week of my Hall of Fame induction at the Gopher Football Hall of Fame.Â
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful for the lifelong bonds that were established as a result of sharing space with a great group of athletes, fellow students, educators, supporters, business leaders and administrators within the University of Minnesota community.
What does Black History Month mean to you?Â
It means that the history of my ancestors the original people developers of law and society have been relegated to one month of study and generally focuses on the least relevant contributors to our advancement. The term black is devoid of meaning and is not descriptive or indicative of my identity. The history of my ancestors should be a year-round focal point and the basis for the study of every person's history regardless of race.
What occupies your time now?
I am committed to the empowerment of my community through the unification of our collective interest, reestablishing cultural ties with our ancestral tribal families, and fighting injustice.Â