Justice Martin J. Jenkins, Kim Ng, San Diego Loyal Soccer Club Players, Emily Harrington, Sharice Davids, Jim Buzinski, Cyd Zeigler Jr. and Outsports

HIGH FIVE 5 HIGH

As an early leader in the sports diversity movement, Compete Magazine normally gives out High Fives to deserving athletes, teams, leagues, organizations and corporations as well as high profile celebrities for their contributions to promote diversity, inclusion, equality and acceptance for all.

SHARICE DAVIDS

… for being reelected to a second term as Democratic Congresswoman from the Kansas 3rd Congressional District. The former professional mixed martial artist became both the first openly LGBTQ+ and first Native American elected to Congress from Kansas.

JUSTICE MARTIN J. JENKINS, FORMER NFL PLAYER

… for his unanimous confirmation to California’s Supreme Court, making him the state’s first openly gay justice and the fifth Black justice in the court’s history. With over 30 years of service as a state and federal judge, the Commission on Judicial Nominees Evaluation said Jenkins is “exceptionally well qualified,” and that “he is praised for his brilliant intellect, first-class temperament, and boundless humanity.” Jenkins played briefly with the Seattle Seahawks prior to attending law school.

KIM NG

… for being hired as general manager of the MLB Miami Marlins, making her the first woman to become an MLB general manager, the second Asian American to lead an MLB team and also believed the first woman hired as a GM by any major professional men's team in North American sports.

SAN DIEGO LOYAL SOCCER CLUB PLAYERS

… for all walking off the pitch when an opposing player directed a gay slur at openly gay player Collin Martin. They knowingly forfeited the game they were winning and lost a spot in the playoffs.

EMILY HARRINGTON

… for being the first woman and only the fourth person ever to free climb the 3,000-foot granite face of El Capitan in less than a day. Following her completion in 21 hours and 13 minutes, the 34-year-old said she hadn’t believed she had the “skills, fitness, or risk profile to move so quickly over such a large piece of stone. But I chose it exactly for that reason. Impossible dreams challenge us to rise above who we are now to see if we can become better versions of ourselves.”

And for an extra bonus:

JIM BUZINSKI AND CYD ZEIGLER JR., COFOUNDERS OF OUTSPORTS.COM

… for being named to the LGBTQ+ Journalists Hall of Fame for their “fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ communities and issues.” And additional congratulations for their iconic site, Outsports turning 21. It’s the many stories they’ve shared of LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, even sports professionals that have resulted in their Hall of Fame honor.

25% CITY 40% MOUNTAINS 35%

BEACH

LETTERS to COMPETE

GRANDSTANDING

The Main Event (Sept-Oct 2020)

It was great to see boxing gaining a following in the LGBTQ+ community. Martin Stark seems like he has a purpose and his love for sport shows. While I haven’t been a big boxing fan in the past, this may be the perfect time to get interested in the sport. Carrie Douglas West Hollywood, California

Lendale Johnson is a Grand Slam (Sept-Oct 2020)

As a man of color it was good to see a story about Lendale Johnson in a magazine [Compete]. Lendale seems to have a lot going on and when I searched online I found out even more. He seems to be a lot more than just a handsome face. I hope to meet Mr. Johnson someday as this would be a highlight for me. William Miller Buffalo, New York

Please submit all Letters to Compete via email to: letters@competesportsdiversity.com