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University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Steve Davis
2/25/2020 6:00:00 AM | Football
Gopher Athletics is celebrating those who made us great in honor of Black History Month. We will be highlighting the careers of 20 black, former student-athletes from various sports as they share what Black History Month means to them, their best memories as Gophers, and their advice for current student-athletes.
Steve Davis played four seasons with the Minnesota football team. A defensive end his first two seasons and linebacker his junior and senior seasons, Davis helped the Gophers advance to three bowl games. His favorite Gopher memory was winning the jug in a sold out Michigan Wolverines' stadium and notching two sacks in the game. Davis misses the special bonds that were built with his teammates and the feeling of going into battle each week together on the football field.
Davis is thankful for the opportunities he had beyond the football field at the University of Minnesota. He said, "deciding to come to a college to play should not just be about your sport, but also about your future life. Set yourself up for success by trying to get a full college experience. You don't want to look back when you are done with your sport and [have regret]."
Once Davis left the university, he used his connections with Minnesota to land three different jobs. Eventually, the connections that helped him grow his career fueled his inspiration to help others. He is passionate about helping graduates find opportunities and connect to the university. He currently holds the role of Director of Affinity Engagement with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Davis is the liaison for 10 different alumni communities that he is working to grow. Davis is still very connected to the University of Minnesota and continues to support his former team, saying his favorite memory since graduating is seeing the Gophers beat the Badgers and claim the axe in 2018.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a very important month to recognize the contributions, history, and highlights of Black and African Americans. To me, it means a lot to know there is at least an entire month dedicated for us to celebrate everything Black, and it is on us to make sure that it doesn't get lost with all the other things that happen in February. Every year, I try to learn something new about a black figure that would inspire or enlighten me. I also get energy by sharing stories with others during Black History Month.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
It has been important for me to lean on and be inspired by the plight of others I look up to. Knowing that there are others who look like me that have trail blazed a path to follow is something that I don't take lightly. I live my life by a lot of the principles Martin Luther King Jr. stood by. Also, being a (former) athlete, people like Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Owens, Serena Williams, Bill Russell, and even Sandy Stephens (to name a few) impacted me not only for their contribution to their sport as trailblazers but also for contributions they made/make on society. I have Black leaders, brothers, and mentors currently in my life now and I continue to benefit from the guidance they provide. I think it is valuable for us to help each other and make sure our stories aren't forgotten, as in any other culture.
Black History Home
Steve Davis played four seasons with the Minnesota football team. A defensive end his first two seasons and linebacker his junior and senior seasons, Davis helped the Gophers advance to three bowl games. His favorite Gopher memory was winning the jug in a sold out Michigan Wolverines' stadium and notching two sacks in the game. Davis misses the special bonds that were built with his teammates and the feeling of going into battle each week together on the football field.
Davis is thankful for the opportunities he had beyond the football field at the University of Minnesota. He said, "deciding to come to a college to play should not just be about your sport, but also about your future life. Set yourself up for success by trying to get a full college experience. You don't want to look back when you are done with your sport and [have regret]."
Once Davis left the university, he used his connections with Minnesota to land three different jobs. Eventually, the connections that helped him grow his career fueled his inspiration to help others. He is passionate about helping graduates find opportunities and connect to the university. He currently holds the role of Director of Affinity Engagement with the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Davis is the liaison for 10 different alumni communities that he is working to grow. Davis is still very connected to the University of Minnesota and continues to support his former team, saying his favorite memory since graduating is seeing the Gophers beat the Badgers and claim the axe in 2018.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is a very important month to recognize the contributions, history, and highlights of Black and African Americans. To me, it means a lot to know there is at least an entire month dedicated for us to celebrate everything Black, and it is on us to make sure that it doesn't get lost with all the other things that happen in February. Every year, I try to learn something new about a black figure that would inspire or enlighten me. I also get energy by sharing stories with others during Black History Month.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
It has been important for me to lean on and be inspired by the plight of others I look up to. Knowing that there are others who look like me that have trail blazed a path to follow is something that I don't take lightly. I live my life by a lot of the principles Martin Luther King Jr. stood by. Also, being a (former) athlete, people like Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Owens, Serena Williams, Bill Russell, and even Sandy Stephens (to name a few) impacted me not only for their contribution to their sport as trailblazers but also for contributions they made/make on society. I have Black leaders, brothers, and mentors currently in my life now and I continue to benefit from the guidance they provide. I think it is valuable for us to help each other and make sure our stories aren't forgotten, as in any other culture.
Black History Home
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