Elon women's basketball stepped out in their signature black uniforms Feb. 20 in honor of Black History Month for their game against Campbell University.
This match not only highlighted two talented teams, but also showcased many Black student organizations and their importance on Elon’s campus.
Black Student organizations in attendance included Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; Black Student Union; and African Diaspora of Elon.
Students mingle at the Black Student Union's basketball tailgate Feb. 20.
Sophomore and Co-Vice President of Special Events for the university's Black Student Union Jordan Armstead suggests that merging sport and culture can be an effective way to educate people about Black history.
“People are always going to come and see a basketball game,” Armstead said. “But if they come to see a basketball game and learn about Black culture, it's a win-win for both teams.”
Senior Kashwan Myers, president of the Sigma Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. expressed gratitude to the campus community for honoring Black History Month.
“Visibility, on a stage like this, means a lot because it shows that the campus actually cares about the D9 organizations and the other Black organizations on campus,” Myers said.
Junior Murphy Davis, member of the Omicron Iota Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. attended the event alongside her sorority sisters and explained that
“It’s really nice to share with the community what we’ve been doing as far as service and giving back in any way that we can,” Davis said.
The game kicked off with a performance by Elon University's predominantly Black a cappella group, Melanated Melodies. They sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by James and John Johnson and the “Star-Spangled Banner.”
At the start of the first quarter, Campbell struggled to get down the court and score as Elon led 20-12, while also shooting 82% from the field.
Campbell managed to tighten the gap, but still trailed Elon 29-24 at halftime.
As both teams ran to their locker rooms to debrief about the first half, the crowd sat and watched performances by the Elon University Dance Team and the South Fork Step Team.
The Steppers of Distinction Step Team, at South Fork Elementary in Winston-Salem, is a performance group dedicated to the art of stepping and rhythmic body movement.
The art of stepping is rooted in African culture, but is also a blend of African American percussive and synchronized movement. It used to communicate deep emotion, resistance, and values through a cultural storytelling lens.
Elon continued to play stellar offense and led Campbell 42-34 in the third quarter.
Sophomore Lanae Corbett, led the team with 16 points. In a post-game interview, she talked about the importance of Black culture and said Elon’s community needs to continue to show up for one another.
Head coach Charlotte Smith wore a black and gold Jesse Jackson shirt, in honor of the former civil rights activist who passed away Feb. 17. She explained why representation matters in the world’s current cultural climate.
“I thought he represented the culture very well in helping us understand our identity, to embrace it, appreciate it, value it, and know that we are worthy to walk in what our constitution stands for,” Smith said. “I feel like it’s important for me as an African American coach to make sure that our players understand the culture, whether you're Black or white, because Black history is American history.”
The Phoenix wrapped up the night with a 14-point win over the Campbell Camels, 68-54.
Elon Women’s Basketball is now 12-13 and faces off against Northeastern this Sunday, Feb. 22, at Schar Center.