Navigating Challenges and Promoting Equity in Education and Sports

Breaking Barriers

About The Guest(s): Robert L. Smith is a native of Dallas and a long-time advocate for equity in sports and education. He played football at the University of Iowa and has had a successful career as an NCAA Big Ten football official. He currently serves as the Executive Director of the Educational Opportunity Programs and Special Community Services at the University of Northern Iowa.

Summary: Robert L. Smith shares his journey as a black athlete and his experiences advocating for equity in sports and education. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused and engaged in the fight for equality, even in the face of legislation and policies that seek to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. He highlights the impact of influential figures like Hayden Fry and Brooke Fulbright in shaping his perspective and the need for representation and economic empowerment in the black community. Smith also discusses the challenges of navigating conversations about race and the importance of building relationships and understanding different perspectives.

Key Takeaways:

• Keep your eyes on the prize and stay focused on the fight for equality.

• Representation and economic empowerment are crucial for the Black community.

• Black people need white allies to work together and create change.

• It is important to have open and honest conversations about race and challenge negative stereotypes.

• Building relationships and understanding different perspectives is essential for progress.

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