Black History Month: Our Heroes

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Each February, Gopher Athletics honors those who made us great in celebration of Black History Month. This year, we've asked our athletes to name a hero of theirs in the African American community, and what about their hero inspires them. Between powerful activists, electrifying athletes and inspirational family members, each of our Gophers' heroes inspire everyday, and you can read more about each below!

Marcus Carr
Hero: Earl Lloyd
Why: He was the first black man to play in the NBA.

Hunt Conroy
Hero: Nicholas Legier
Why: He is a friend, teammate, and classmate that I can always depend on.

Eric Curry
Hero: Ezekiel Curry
Why: My grandfather has been the only father figure in my life since I was two months old. He taught me how to be a man.

Alihan Demir
Hero: Muhammad Ali
Why: His bravery has inspired me and millions of others.

Sam Freeman
Hero: Malcolm X
Why: He has one of the most inspirational stories of anyone in the African American Community.

Bryan Greenlee
Hero: Jackie Robinson
Why: He paved the way for African American men in Major League Baseball.

Michael Hurt
Hero: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Why: He stood up for what he believed in when he faced, no matter how much adversity he faced.

Isaiah Ihnen
Hero: Kevin Durant
Why: He has worked very hard his entire life, and that's why he is one of the most skilled players to ever play.

Gabe Kalscheur
Hero: Jackie Robinson
Why: He showed great bravery being the first black male baseball athlete to play in the major leagues. He did not back down when the odds were against him and he kept his composure when racist fans came at him and his family.

Jarvis Omersa
Hero: Jimi Hendrix
Why: His genius was unmatched. Hendrix is the greatest instrumentalist of all time, making way for young African American artists. Plus, he had some wavy style.

Daniel Oturu
Hero: Malcolm X
Why: He inspires me with how he approached the situations he had to overcome in his life, and all the hardship and adversity. He once said, "A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything." Every time I hear that, it inspires me to stand for anything I believe in, regardless of what it is. More importantly, it makes me stand for who I am as a person.

Brady Rudrud
Hero: Jackie Robinson
Why: He is famous for his quote, "A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives."

Tre' Williams
Hero: Marvin Williams, Sr.
Why: My grandfather was a man who embodied the word selfless and represented the family name with honor.

Payton Willis
Hero: Mary Magdalene Conley
Why: My great grandmother was the staple of our family and is the true meaning of a queen!

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Players Mentioned

Marcus Carr

Hunt Conroy

Eric Curry

Alihan Demir

Sam Freeman

Bryan Greenlee

Michael Hurt

Isaiah Ihnen

Gabe Kalscheur

Jarvis Omersa

Daniel Oturu

Brady Rudrud

Tre' Williams

Payton Willis

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