Showing posts with label Wilberforce University. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wilberforce University. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Wilberforce University set to begin third HBCU gymnastics program in the nation

Wilberforce will launch its first women’s gymnastics team in partnership with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG). BGDG’s mission is to provide access, coaching, training, and other forms of support to athletes.

This expansion follows the announcement of the university’s new women’s soccer and volleyball programs.

“The introduction of a gymnastics team aligns with our commitment to provide inclusive athletic programs and highlights our belief in the power of diversity in sports and empowering future generations of gymnasts,” said President Dr. Vann R. Newkirk.

This joint venture, in conjunction with the HBCU Gymnastics Alliance, signifies the expansion of athletic opportunities at HBCUs nationwide

In honoring this commitment, BGDG and Wilberforce University will host Camp Isla™ this summer. The gymnastics camp is scheduled to take place on campus June 20-23, 2024.

The new Wilberforce team will begin competing in January 2026.

Saturday, February 06, 2016

Did you know that Wilberforce University was the first HBCU?

READ ABOUT OTHER BLACK FIRST BY CLICKING HERE

Wilberforce University is a private, coed, liberal arts historically black university (HBCU) located in Wilberforce, Ohio. Affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, it was the first college to be owned and operated by African Americans. It participates in the United Negro College Fund.

The founding of the college was unique as a collaboration in 1856 by the Cincinnati, Ohio Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME). They planned a college to provide classical education and teacher training for black youth. Leaders of both races made up the first board members.

When the number of students fell due to the American Civil War and financial losses closed the college in 1863, the AME Church purchased the institution to ensure its survival. Its first president, AME Bishop Daniel A. Payne, was one of the original founders. Prominent supporters and the US government donated funds for rebuilding after a fire in 1865. When the college added an industrial department in the late 19th century, state legislators could sponsor scholarship students.

The college attracted the top professors of the day, including W. E. B. Du Bois. In the 19th century, it enlarged its mission to include students from South Africa. The university supports the national Association of African American Museums to broaden the reach of its programs and assist smaller museums with professional standards.