It was good growing up watching Black athletes excel in whichever sport they were doing. I feel like it gained us a lot more respect and also it gave me confidence and showed me that it’s possible to do whatever I want in life with the color of my skin.

Black representation has always been important. It’s something that my family has a staple in – always made sure I understand what’s important, whether that’s businesses, whether that’s just support, whether that’s just people reaching out, whether that’s being an activist, whether that’s speaking up for something. It doesn’t really matter, that’s just all a part of it and it goes beyond just black people. Everybody should just speak out for everybody at all times if it’s discrimination, whether it’s support, love, joy.

Ways you can do that [use your platform to amplify Black History] is just stay engaged, stay informed, make sure you speak out on things, don’t hold your tongue, make sure you’re just not afraid of anything because there’s nothing to be afraid of. You know what’s right and what’s wrong, so make sure you’re just teaching the younger kids and next generation that speaking out is important

HBCUs coming up is a huge thing – probably a long time coming. It’s just important to lift up programs that probably weren’t getting as much light, but at the end of the day it’s education, it’s support, it’s funding, it’s a bunch of stuff that goes into that.

Black representation allows me to dream, allows me to understand what my possibilities are, what I could be capable of.

By having more Black representation in the industry whether it’s athletes, or owners, or coaches, it allows the next group of young African Americans to know, “Okay, I can do this too.

It’s important to celebrate Black History Month, not only in February but all the time, simply because Black history is rich from where it was to where it is now. Learning about it through the years as I was growing up I understood how great I could be, I understood what setbacks my grandparents and great grandparents had, and for me it’s motivation to be more for them.

Having Black representation in our country in huge. Through all the social injustices, events our ancestors have been through in the past, I feel like it’s our honor and our duty to make sure we celebrate their lives and the sacrifices they made to make our generation able to do the things we’re allowed to do today.

Watching Black athletes excel in the early years was super awesome. The sacrifices they went through, through all the hecklers, the doubters, the people who criticized them for their skin color, they proved otherwise. They are the reason why myself and my family are allowed to play this game of basketball today, so across all sports it’s an honor to see talented black young men and women out there exceling.

You can use your platform in a lot of ways by voting for certain laws, just spreading awareness to certain events out there.

My profile picture is Trayvon Martin saying “No Justice, No Peace.” He was a real big influence in my life because I remember at a young age that sincere disbelief and grief for his loss and passing, so I just try to use my platform just to spread awareness and spread peace and love.