University of Minnesota Athletics
Black History Month: Shanice Cheatham
2/9/2022 6:14:00 AM | Athletics
Hometown and cultural background, played sports in college?
I was raised in Cedar Rapids, IA.
What is your role within Gopher Sports?
I am the Athletic Trainer for the Women's Gymnastics team.
If you were writing a letter to yourself, what would be the 3 points of wisdom regarding being black?
Your biggest opponent is yourself. If you work hard and stay focused on your goals and don't let outside factors distract you, you will achieve it.
What does Black History Month mean to you? How has the summer of 2020 changed it?
In my opinion, black history month is about celebrating the people and events in our history that have helped contribute to black excellence. The times and people who have proved that through adversity we can accomplish and overcome things that are far beyond the limits set on us. The landmarks in our history that need to continually be acknowledged and never forgotten. The summer of 2020 has shed light on the fact that black history month should reach far beyond the black community. The educational systems currently have not properly taught the youth about black history. However, the education and growth of people around the world should not be held to one month.
How old and where were you when you heard I have a Dream speech for the 1st time?
I believe I was around 5 or 6 years old and we had watched it in school. Being so young and in a school where I was one of very few people of color it did not seem to have much significance at first to me. It was not until I was a bit older that I started watching it myself outside of school where I was able to take it in on a more personal level and find my own understanding of the importance.
What would be your theme song for Black History Month?
Fight for You by H.E.R.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
I have had many role models as I have grown up to look to, but as of more recent I am more inspired by the youth. It excites me so much more to see people so young that have the courage and the confidence to stand up and speak up for what they believe in. People like Naomi Osaka, Amanda Gorman, and Coco Gauff are so wonderful at using their platforms to share their thoughts, and they have such a young following that it will continue to inspire the youth. It makes me want to make sure to continue to be the best mentor and supporter that I can be to my own athletes and the younger generation.
I was raised in Cedar Rapids, IA.
What is your role within Gopher Sports?
I am the Athletic Trainer for the Women's Gymnastics team.
If you were writing a letter to yourself, what would be the 3 points of wisdom regarding being black?
- Never be ashamed to be authentically you. People will judge you no matter what, especially as a biracial person. Always be true to who you are no matter who questions you.
- Set high goals for yourself and believe that you can achieve them no matter the boundaries that other people set for you.
- Do not shy away from speaking your truth in fear of how others will take it. It is not on you to take on that burden.
Your biggest opponent is yourself. If you work hard and stay focused on your goals and don't let outside factors distract you, you will achieve it.
What does Black History Month mean to you? How has the summer of 2020 changed it?
In my opinion, black history month is about celebrating the people and events in our history that have helped contribute to black excellence. The times and people who have proved that through adversity we can accomplish and overcome things that are far beyond the limits set on us. The landmarks in our history that need to continually be acknowledged and never forgotten. The summer of 2020 has shed light on the fact that black history month should reach far beyond the black community. The educational systems currently have not properly taught the youth about black history. However, the education and growth of people around the world should not be held to one month.
How old and where were you when you heard I have a Dream speech for the 1st time?
I believe I was around 5 or 6 years old and we had watched it in school. Being so young and in a school where I was one of very few people of color it did not seem to have much significance at first to me. It was not until I was a bit older that I started watching it myself outside of school where I was able to take it in on a more personal level and find my own understanding of the importance.
What would be your theme song for Black History Month?
Fight for You by H.E.R.
How have you been influenced or inspired by other black athletes, role models, or leaders in your life?
I have had many role models as I have grown up to look to, but as of more recent I am more inspired by the youth. It excites me so much more to see people so young that have the courage and the confidence to stand up and speak up for what they believe in. People like Naomi Osaka, Amanda Gorman, and Coco Gauff are so wonderful at using their platforms to share their thoughts, and they have such a young following that it will continue to inspire the youth. It makes me want to make sure to continue to be the best mentor and supporter that I can be to my own athletes and the younger generation.
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