Razorback Trailblazers Celebrated

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Razorback Athletics will recognize the contributions of former African-American student-athletes who were trailblazers in their respective sports as part of a series celebrating Black History Month on ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Beginning on Feb. 14, individuals will be featured on the website for their contributions to the University of Arkansas, the Razorback program and society. This marks the ninth year Razorback Athletics has celebrated Black History Month with a special series on ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

"Throughout the history of the University of Arkansas, there have been some extraordinary individuals that helped shaped our great institution and the world around us," said Jeff Long, vice chancellor and director of athletics. "The Razorback trailblazers we celebrate this month are among those who have played an integral role in providing opportunities to thousands of student-athletes who followed their lead. We have gained inspiration from their courageous acts of leadership and continue to benefit from the contributions they have made to the legacy of the University of Arkansas."

This year's series will feature various former Razorbacks who served as trailblazers for generations of African-American student-athletes to follow. The series will relive the contributions of these special individuals through interviews and short vignettes recapping their experiences.

Black history has been celebrated annually since 1926. The original week-long event was organized by historian Carter G. Woodson who selected the second week of February as the original celebration. Woodson made his choice around the birthdays of former President Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass, both of whom were significant influences on the lives of African-Americans.

For more information regarding Razorback Athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.