SAN JOSE, Calif.--In May, 10 San José State student-athletes along with two Spartan administrators and one San José State faculty member traveled to the campus of Rice University in Houston, Texas, for the 9th annual Black Student-Athlete Summit powered by Playfly Sports.
Conference attendees from San José State included:
Myron Amey, Jr., Men's Basketball
Jalen Apalit-Williams, Football
Jalen Bainer, Football
Siena Brewster, Beach Volleyball
Jordan Cobbs, Football
Cecil Ebiwok, Cross Country/Track & Field
Juliane Laurent, Women's Soccer
Jiana Lawson, Volleyball
Jennah Loggins, Women's Soccer
Jada Wilson, Women's Soccer
Staff – Annalisa Duarte & Tobruk Blaine
Faculty – Dr. Lamont Williams
More than 700 student-athletes, coaches and administrators attended the annual gathering designed to enhance the development of the Black Student-Athlete. The three-day conference featured extensive idea sharing and encouraged student-athletes to take advantage of unique opportunities and college experiences in the classroom.
Student-athletes attended a variety of forums, discussions and workshops covering a variety of topics including – the changing culture with college athletics; solving racial conflict in college athletics, from athletics to tech; has hip-hop failed Black America; and the transfer portal as underground railroad.
Hear from some of the Spartans who attended the summit.
Myron Amey, Jr. – Men's Basketball
"This conference taught me to not shy away from being uncomfortable. If you believe in a change whether it's within yourself or with others, go after it. Use the abilities God has blessed you with and chase after what you want in life. Don't be afraid to ask for help and reach out to others. The more we build together as a community, the bigger impact we will make in the world."
Jiana Lawson - Volleyball
"This conference showed me that inspired people also inspire people. I'm excited to find new ways in my community to be inspired."
Cecil Ebiwok - Mens Track & Field
"This conference is a much-needed assurance that there is active progression in the black community. Efforts like this often get overshadowed by false narratives in the media, but it is reassuring, no doubt, to see the great work being done to inspire and uplift the youth of the black community."
#SpartanUp
