Wilberforce University, a historically Black university in Wilberforce, Ohio, announced Thursday its intention to launch the country’s third intercollegiate women’s artistic gymnastics team at a Historically Black College and University, in a partnership with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics and the HBCU Gymnastics Alliance. The university follows in the footsteps of Fisk University and Talladega College. The team is set to begin competition in 2026.
Like Fisk and Talladega, Wilberforce is a NAIA institution—a college athletics association for small colleges and universities in North America.
“The introduction of a gymnastics team aligns with our commitment to provide inclusive athletic programs and highlights our belief in the power of diversity in sports and empowering future generations of gymnasts,” said President Dr. Vann R. Newkirk in the press release.
Since 2015, Brown Girls Do Gymnastics has been a driving force in advocating for gymnasts of color to have an opportunity to continue their athletic and academic careers in an inclusive environment like a HBCU. Talladega joins a 8-year grassroots effort toward inclusion and the creation of new opportunities for gymnasts.
Wilberforce is also set to host Camp Isla in partnership with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics on June 20-23, 2024.
This is a developing story. It will be updated as more information becomes available.
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Article by Tara Graeve
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