JACK AND JILL ALUMS: FISK UNIVERSITY’S PIONEERING GYMNASTICS TEAM

BY CRYSTAL GADSON

Earlier this year, Fisk University made history as the first historically Black university (HBCU) with a collegiate gymnastics team that competed at the NCAA level.

The team made their debut on January 6, at the Super 16 event in Las Vegas. The Fisk University gymnastics team competed against over 300 collegiate gymnasts from teams across the country.

Two gymnasts from the history-making team, Morgan Price and Hailey Clark are alumnae of Jack and Jill of America, an organization that provides social, cultural, and educational opportunities for youth between the ages of 2 and 19. Jack and Jill, Inc. founded in 1938, consists of over 262 chapters nationwide representing more than 50,000 family members.

Kornisha McGill Brown, 27th National President of Jack and Jill, Inc., says she is extremely proud of Morgan and Hailey’s achievements at Fisk as members of the first gymnastics team representing an HBCU.

“The theme of our last national convention was, “The Power of a Dream”, and having two Jack and Jill Alumnae make historic, impactful contributions on a collegiate team of Black gymnasts is truly a dream come true. Our alumni make us proud when we see them contribute to their schools, families, professions, communities, and society in meaningful, remarkable ways. Their success shows that the parental nurturing and support they received in Jack and Jill of America has made a positive difference in their lives and the lives of others,” Brown said.

“These achievements continue to solidify Jack and Jill of America’s connections to Historically Black Colleges and Universities through our alumni, family members, and partners. As a graduate of Spelman, I recognize the immense influence and contributions of HBCUs in our society and culture. Hailey’s and Morgan’s example as successful student-athletes at Fisk show our families and the world that Jack and Jill of America and HBCUs are significant, leading institutions that continue to produce several of the best and brightest individuals in society,” she continued.

Morgan Price, a freshman biology major and 5-star recruit from Lebanon, Tennessee, graduated from the Dallas chapter of Jack and Jill, Inc., and credits the organization for her desire to attend an HBCU. She has dreams of becoming a dentist.

Upon graduating high school, she had originally committed to the University of Arkansas’ gymnastics program, then decommitted once she became aware of Fisk’s first HBCU gymnastics team. “I wanted to go to an HBCU because I know that back then our ancestors weren’t even allowed to go to the same schools as other people. I think [it’s] a way to honor our ancestors since they aren’t still here with us,” Morgan said. As for making history daily as an HBCU gymnast, Morgan is honored.

Morgan shared that information about Fisk University’s gymnastics team will be featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, in the near future.

Hailey Clark, a freshman biology premed major from Windermere, Florida, says gymnastics has taught her faith, resilience, and tenacity. Her ultimate goal is to become an orthopedic surgeon.

During Hailey’s junior year of high school, her Jack and Jill, Inc. chapter heavily discussed the importance of attending an HBCU.

“One thing that has really stuck with me was camaraderie – how important it is to be there for one another and to really support one another in such a group like Jack and Jill,” Hailey explained. When Hailey sees the media attention for making history as a Black collegiate gymnast, it shows her how much of an impact the team is making.

“After every single competition, seeing the little young Black girls that come down and take pictures with us, saying they really look up to us – there’s not really a word I can find to describe that,” she said.

Hailey’s advice for the current students in Jack and Jill, Inc. is to take advantage of every event and make connections with everyone in their age group.

“It’s an experience you won’t get back once you graduate – of course, you’ll still have those connections with the people you met and became friends within Jack and Jill – cherish actually being able to go to those events like teen conferences, workshops, and Jack and Jill day events.”

Hailey also encourages the youth to keep pushing through all trials and tribulations.

“Life is going to give it to you sometimes, and you really have to keep the faith and you never know what opportunity may come like this one. It’s so reassuring that so many young girls of color are going to have this option now – gymnastics while attending an HBCU. So, never give up. Keep pushing,” she said.