DINING EVENTS +

Athletes have been a staple in United States history, bringing everyone together amid trials and tribulations. Black athletes have made breakthroughs in sports, setting records worldwide. Black athletes have constantly beat the odds and proved that talent has no boundaries.

As much as we love our favorite athletes, we must recognize that the stars we see are regular people just like us. They have various hobbies and passions that they do outside of their sports.

As we end the NFL season and gear up for the end of the NBA season, let’s look at the athletes that have not only made a difference on the field but off it as well.

Bobby Price- Norfolk State

The Virginia native made his way to the league after graduating from Norfolk State University. He plays for the Detroit Lions in the NFL as a defensive linebacker, but he is tackling another critical obstacle off the field. In his latest philanthropy efforts, Bobby Price is working with the Stomp Out Bully campaign to help change the culture for students to prevent bullying and abuse.

Ben Wallace- Virginia Union University

Regarded by many as the greatest undrafted player in NBA history, Ben Wallace will forever be one of Virginia Union University’s most extraordinary alumnus. He played most of his career in the NBA with Detroit Pistons but started his career with the Washington Wizards, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He played in the NBA until 2012 and then retired his number 3 jersey in 2016. Outside of Wallace has worked with the Annual Drive for Life Foundation, which helps uplift and empower charity organizations through fundraising.

Jerry Rice- Mississippi Valley State University

From 1987-2009, Jerry Rice became a well-known now NFL player after playing for teams such as the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks. Early in his career, he was doubted and was seen as someone who would fail. People drafted into the NFL usually come from very known universities, but Rice beat the odds after thriving at his HBCU and on the big field. Noted as one of the greatest players of all time, Rice has undoubtedly made Mississippi Valley State University proud. During his career, he established the Jerry Rice foundation to help children overcome challenges by encouraging them to live up to their potential. He also has donated countless of money to the United Negro Fund to help fund scholarships to students all over, including his alma mater.

Charles Oakley- Virginia Union University

When you think of one of the greatest in the history of the NBA, every fan will name Charles Oakley. Known and ranked as one of the best defenders and rebounders in the NBA, Oakley had the pleasure of playing for several NBA teams such as the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Washington Wizards, Toronto Raptors, and the Huston Rockets. After retiring in 2004, the Virginia Union alumnus created the foundation named after himself to focus on ending hunger and poverty in underprivileged communities. He has also helped various charities raise money for summer basketball camps to help inspire the future generation of the NBA.