University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History: Big Ten Advisory Commission
2/19/2021 7:08:00 AM | Athletics
The Big Ten Conference has long been at the forefront in the fight for equality and respect for diversity. With the creation of the Advisory Commission in 1972, the Big Ten Conference provided the platform for African-American student-athletes to promote the same climate of change that is driving our nation today.
The Special Advisory Commission, as it was formerly called, was created under the leadership of former Commissioner Wayne Duke as a direct result of reports that described the racial unrest and academic shortcomings that surrounded African-American student-athletes at the time. The group, composed of former African-American student-athletes, was charged with identifying the injustices of their peers on campus and working with the faculty and administrators in the conference to find plausible solutions.
Although much has changed since the initial meeting in the spring of 1972, the topic of race and diversity is still one of the top priorities for those in the field of intercollegiate athletics. As the NCAA and B1G Conference continue to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives as part of its core values, the Advisory Commission continues to adapt as well.
The current Advisory Commission has identified many topics for discussion and review with B1G administrators. Some of these issues include communication of available programs to student-athletes, academic/degree programs, campus/city police relations, student-athlete financial aid and graduation rates. These and other areas continue to remain as priorities to examine for the group. Each year, the members of the Advisory Commission also take part in their annual campus visits to gain a level of insight into current institutional athletic practices and issues. During these visits, members touch base with those involved in the Diversity Internship Program at each of the B1G institutions, and are also responsible for administering a survey that is intended to address prevalent issues and concerns that African-American student-athletes are facing.
The Special Advisory Commission, as it was formerly called, was created under the leadership of former Commissioner Wayne Duke as a direct result of reports that described the racial unrest and academic shortcomings that surrounded African-American student-athletes at the time. The group, composed of former African-American student-athletes, was charged with identifying the injustices of their peers on campus and working with the faculty and administrators in the conference to find plausible solutions.
Although much has changed since the initial meeting in the spring of 1972, the topic of race and diversity is still one of the top priorities for those in the field of intercollegiate athletics. As the NCAA and B1G Conference continue to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives as part of its core values, the Advisory Commission continues to adapt as well.
The current Advisory Commission has identified many topics for discussion and review with B1G administrators. Some of these issues include communication of available programs to student-athletes, academic/degree programs, campus/city police relations, student-athlete financial aid and graduation rates. These and other areas continue to remain as priorities to examine for the group. Each year, the members of the Advisory Commission also take part in their annual campus visits to gain a level of insight into current institutional athletic practices and issues. During these visits, members touch base with those involved in the Diversity Internship Program at each of the B1G institutions, and are also responsible for administering a survey that is intended to address prevalent issues and concerns that African-American student-athletes are facing.
Minnesota's Representatives:
Quincy Lewis
Lisa Lissimore
Erine Cook
Omar Douglas
Walter Bowser
Judge Dickson
Al Nuness
Leon Trawick
Remembering Tom Moe
Friday, February 27
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Wednesday, February 04
Cub Plays of the Week
Wednesday, September 24
Cub Plays of the Week
Thursday, September 18