To our SSU Seawolf Family:

Recent events surrounding the senseless tragedies of lost lives at the hands of racism have brought forth a reminder that discrimination, oppression, and prejudices exist in a world where we need inclusion, acceptance, and the ability to live free of fear. George Floyd has been described by those who knew him as a gentle man, yet the legacy of his life will be associated with violence, hate, and anger. We owe it to Mr. Floyd to resist the barriers and systemic racism directed against black Americans. 

As athletes, we are wired to work as one to fight towards a common goal. Athletes and activism dates back to 532 A.D. and continues today (Wulf, 2019). When Jack Johnson became the first African American heavyweight boxing champion in 1908, Jim Crow laws were subjecting Black Americans to separate under unequal treatment. Johnson openly challenged racist attitudes, practices, and laws at the time, establishing a tradition of anti-racism work among Black athletes. From Jackson to Jesse Owens, who won Gold at the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany, to Olympic Gold high jumper-turned educator Alice Coachman, to baseball great and lifelong anti-racism activist Jackie Robinson, to anti-apartheid activist and tennis legend Arthur Ashe, to the first black female US Figure Skating Champion Debi Thomas, to recent prominent athletes Serena Williams and Colin Kaepernick, both of whom continue to advocate on behalf of equity and inclusion, black athletes have sustained a powerful anti-racist legacy in the US, using their popularity and talent to educate as well as entertain, and bring awareness to our country's long, unbroken history of racism and inequality. Here at SSU, as Seawolves, our athletic identity does not allow us to take the easy path and we will continue to be moved to be citizens of conscience by speaking out and advocating for conditions that demonstrate justice for all. The Seawolf Athletic Department is committed to an inclusive environment and will stand together to lead the charge for social change. We are committed to diversity and will honor the sacredness of each individual.

President Sakaki has sent a heartfelt message to our SSU community and her statement can be found HERE. Under her leadership and in our effort to support our student-athletes we will be offering an opportunity for student-athletes, coaches, and staff to virtually come together to share experiences and responses to the challenges we face today. Dr. Griffin-Desta, Chief of Staff to the President and Chief Diversity Officer, will be guiding our discussions with our student-athletes, coaches and staff, and engaging us in critical dialogue across differences. We must have these uncomfortable conversations to solicit change. 

I've heard it said that the next generation is the generation that will bring change. I disagree. Every generation needs to abolish racism - Now. Sonoma State Seawolf Athletes have a voice, and we want that voice to be heard. I'm honored to lead a department that wants to actively engage in the movement to eliminate injustice and inequalities. I bear witness to the integrity of our student-athletes as they stand as one to fight disparities. Below are links to statements from our student-athletes. Please join our young leaders and let your voice be heard. Together we peacefully and powerfully protest racism.

Dr. Nicole Annaloro
Interim Director of Athletics
Sonoma State University

Click HERE for a statement from the Sonoma State women's basketball team. 

Click HERE for a statement from the Sonoma State men's and women's golf team. 

Click HERE for a statement from the Sonoma State women's soccer team. 





References: Wulf, Steve (2019, January 30). Athletes and activism: The long, defiant history of sports protests. Retrieved from https://theundefeated.com/features/athletes-and-activism-the-long-defiant-history-of-sports-protests/