.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Jay Thomas
2/21/2022 8:29:00 AM | Football
Hometown and Cultural Background?
I grew up in the Midway area in St.Paul, as well as the eastern suburb Oakdale. So I had a big mix of cultures most of my life. My dad lived in St.Paul and I spent most of the weekends there, but I went to school and lived in Oakdale with my mom.
What sport did you play and what is your current job?
I played football on scholarship and ran track. I have spent the last 10 years in the IT space and I am now an Account Executive for a supply chain compliance company called Assent Compliance.
If you were writing a letter to yourself, what would be the 3 points of wisdom regarding being black.
What does Black History month mean to you? And how has the summer of 2020 changed it?
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
I grew up in the Midway area in St.Paul, as well as the eastern suburb Oakdale. So I had a big mix of cultures most of my life. My dad lived in St.Paul and I spent most of the weekends there, but I went to school and lived in Oakdale with my mom.
What sport did you play and what is your current job?
I played football on scholarship and ran track. I have spent the last 10 years in the IT space and I am now an Account Executive for a supply chain compliance company called Assent Compliance.
If you were writing a letter to yourself, what would be the 3 points of wisdom regarding being black.
- Always remember that in anything and everything you do, You are not only representing yourself. But in most cases you are representing your race as well.
- Set an example and be a leader. Don't let anyone have an excuse to stereotype you or make a bad example out of you.
- Take the high road in whatever negative situation you come across, kill hate with kindness and don't sabotage your goals in defense of your pride.
- To those who have aspirations to play a sport at the collegiate level. Be willing to put in the work it requires and sacrifice the things you may enjoy that your friends are doing, in order to achieve those goals that your friends won't reach.
- To those who are coming to the end of their career. Have a plan!! Network as much as you can and soak up as much knowledge and wisdom as possible. Make sure that you understand the basics of your finances. Money is one of the toughest things to manage once you get out of college. Take advantage of the resources available to you.
What does Black History month mean to you? And how has the summer of 2020 changed it?
- I think Black History Month is special because the rest of the world is asked to focus on black history and culture. But as a black man in America. I acknowledge my history and culture on a daily basis. I'm proud to be black and I celebrate that every day of my life.
- Summer of 2020 was really a reminder of not only how much the world still needs to change, but how strong we can be as a black community if we can come together as a united front. I definitely didn't agree with some of the actions we took as a community here in Minneapolis. But it was great to see us come together and fight against injustices and systemic racism in America. We just need to continue that momentum and work together with the rest of the country and world to really create significant change.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
- My parents have always been a great influence on me and not only taught me how to be a great athlete, but a good man and leader. Always setting a good example, sitting in the front of the class, speaking to my elders and others with respect. As my mother and I'm sure many other mothers and fathers would say, " act like you got some sense". I was raised to always be humble and above all be kind. Conducting myself in that manner and trusting in God, has allowed me to be blessed with many opportunities. Especially the opportunity to play two collegiate sports at a great university like the University of Minnesota.
Film Room: Kerry Brown
Tuesday, April 28
Deven Eastern Drafted by Seattle
Sunday, April 26
Highlights: 2026 Spring Game
Saturday, April 25
Thank You Alums!
Saturday, April 25