MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois student-athletes are determined to use their voices and platform to serve, uplift, and support their communities, and that forward thinking led to the creation of the WIU Black Athlete Association (BAA) in October of 2020.
Successful programming has focused on mental health, physical activity, and celebrating black history. Recent community initiatives included:
- Reading to students at Lincoln Elementary School;
- Raising monies to support the campus daycare;
- And breaking bread with the campus community at its Fuel Up events, which provides healthy snacks and drinks to all who pass by their table in Western Hall.
BAA's March event Breaking Plates: Breaking Free of Self-Doubting Thoughts, Limitations & Negativity was quoted on social media as the "most therapeutic student activity I've seen at Western so far."
For their tireless efforts, the University's Office of Student Engagement announced the BAA's nomination for a leadership award. The ceremony will be held April 19.
"I'm extremely proud of all the members of BAA and our efforts that we have been making across WIU's campus," said Carrissa Tinsley, the president of BAA. "These individuals are very hard-working student-athletes who I know will continue to grow the organization. We are grateful for our first leadership award nomination as a new organization on campus, and we can not thank everyone enough who has supported us through the year."
"I'm very thankful for the progress we have made and the acknowledgment and support we have received from the campus. Being able to stay focused during our seasons and during the climate we are in as black athletes, I'm proud of our members and journey," added Tyronay Taylor, vice president of the organization."
Track & Field
Carrissa Tinsley | President
Tyronay Taylor | Vice President
Amelia Peterson
C'Andria Campbell
Aijah Venerable
Jasmine Stokes
Morgan Reed
Daija Range
Volleyball
Kalynn Davis
Kennedy Davis
Football
Justin Hall
Cole Watts
DeShon Gavin
Vick Akinyemi
Bryce Cross
Jalen Powe
Tryvis Ousley
