Husker athletes teach Lincoln kids about Black History Month

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Husker athletes visited local community centers on Tuesday to talk to youth about Black History Month.

It gave Lincoln kids the opportunity to meet athletes and students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln like them.

Huskers went to the Malone and F Street Community Centers.

They told the children what the month means to them.

Savanah Warren, a member of the women’s gymnastics team, said everyone should talk about influential Black people and events year-round, but February provides a great opportunity for community outreach.

“I think it’s important they know they can do whatever they set their mind to,” Warren said. “Especially in a sport like gymnastics, where it might not be the most diverse. I think it’s cool to see people that look like you up there doing something you might be dreaming of doing someday.”

Nyagoa Deng, with UNL’s African People’s Union, said the trip to the community centers showed representation to the kids.

“Black History Month is a time where we celebrate us. We’re celebrating our achievements, we’re celebrating their achievements,” Deng said. “You don’t know what’s possible until you see that it’s possible. I think us being here shows them that it’s possible and that they can do it as well.”

After the athletes and students spoke with the kids, they played basketball together.

UNL will be doing several more events to connect with the community during Black History Month.