Black History Month: How college sports teams are celebrating

New York, New York - From the sunny West Coast to the blistering cold of the Northeast, college sports programs across the nation are celebrating Black History Month in epic fashion!

This year, college programs across the nation are celebrating Black History Month in a variety of different ways honoring past and present Black athletes.
This year, college programs across the nation are celebrating Black History Month in a variety of different ways honoring past and present Black athletes.  © Collage: MADDIE MEYER / Julio Aguilar / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

In honor of Black History Month, universities across the country are celebrating former and current Black athletes and coaches that have pushed the boundaries in the world of college athletics and beyond.

College sports would not be the same without the contributions of many Black sports figures, and all month long, sports teams will celebrate the past and the future of Black athletes in various ways.

From competitions and unique apparel options to interactive on-campus events, here are some of the different ways colleges are celebrating Black History Month!

Has Jayden Daniels overtaken Caleb Williams as top quarterback pick?
College Football Has Jayden Daniels overtaken Caleb Williams as top quarterback pick?


Nebraska Cornhuskers basketball to host games honoring pioneer Black hoops players

For the entire month of February, the Cornhuskers men's and women's basketball teams will honor former Black former standout athletes that broke barriers for Nebraska's basketball team.
For the entire month of February, the Cornhuskers men's and women's basketball teams will honor former Black former standout athletes that broke barriers for Nebraska's basketball team.  © MICHAEL HICKEY / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

In Lincoln, the Cornhuskers men's and women's basketball teams will celebrate Black History Month by hosting games to honor Wilbur Wood and Dominique Johnson (Kelley).

Wood was the Huskers' first Black men's basketball player in school history, and Johnson (Kelley) was an award-winning player on the women's team.

Both teams will wear specifically designed uniforms by Adidas to signify the idea of "exploring our past, [and] celebrating our present."

Iowa's win over West Virginia raises eyebrows over rigged March Madness games
NCAA College Basketball Iowa's win over West Virginia raises eyebrows over rigged March Madness games

The uniforms will feature symbolic colors and include Nebraska state's flower, the Goldenrod.

The men will wear the uniforms during their showdowns against Wisconsin on Saturday, and Minnesota on February 25. They also wore them in their win over Penn State last Sunday.

The women will wear their uniquely designed uniforms on Thursday against Illinois.

Both the women's game on Thursday and the men's game on Saturday are set to feature a live performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing" following the National Anthem.

Ohio State athletics use social media to honor former barrier-breaking athletes

Former Buckeye athletes Nichelle Prince (l) and Donica Merriman (r) were highlighted as part of Ohio State's celebration of Black History Month on social media.
Former Buckeye athletes Nichelle Prince (l) and Donica Merriman (r) were highlighted as part of Ohio State's celebration of Black History Month on social media.  © Collage: Collage: MADDIE MEYER / PETER DE VOECHT / BELGA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

If you follow the Buckeyes on social media, be on the lookout for their daily Black History Month athlete spotlights!

All month long, Ohio State will be using their social media channels to highlight pioneer Buckeye athletes that broke barriers in their respective sports.

Already, the Scarlet and Gray have highlighted Nichelle Prince and Donica Merriman.

Prince, a two-time Olympian, is the first women's Buckeye soccer player to compete in the Olympic Games as a member of Canada's Bronze and Gold medal-winning teams in 2016 and 2020, respectively.

Merriam is a track and field Ohio State Hall of Famer who had a stellar collegiate career that includes two NCAA national titles. She became the first Buckeye in women’s program history to win an outdoor national title in 2001.

In addition to their social media posts, Ohio State is sharing more facts about their pioneering athletes on their website.

University of Arizona Wildcats celebrate Black History Month with student-athlete panel

The University of Arizona will host a panel-discussion available to all Arizona Athletics staff and student-athletes.
The University of Arizona will host a panel-discussion available to all Arizona Athletics staff and student-athletes.  © Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

This year, the Wildcats are celebrating Black History Month with a series of fun-filled events for students, faculty members, and fans.

On February 17, Arizona Wildcats fans can enjoy a traditional Capoeira performance by the local Black-owned dance studio Movement Culture during halftime at the women's basketball game against Colorado. The studio is also set to perform during halftime at the men's basketball game against Arizona State on February 25.

Arizona will also host several internal events for Arizona Athletics staff and student-athletes throughout the month, headlined by a panel session with the two student-athletes Morgan Rhett and Diego Marquez of track and field.

Both athletes previously represented the University of Arizona while in Alabama for the Pac-12 Social Justice Experience.


The Wildcats will continue to share coverage of their Black History Month celebrations on social media, including video interviews with the Arizona's student-athletes.

Cover photo: Collage: MADDIE MEYER / Julio Aguilar / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

More on Sports: