News

Center for Black Equity President/CEO Statement on Jason Collins

The Center for Black Equity President/CEO Earl D. Fowlkes, Jr. issued the following statement about Jason Collins coming out.

On Monday, April 29, 2013, Jason Collins, a 34-year-old professional NBA player, publicly identified himself as a Black, gay athlete. He is now being recognized as the first openly gay, active athlete in professional sports. His decision to live in full authenticity as a member of the LGBT community, while being a visible figure in mainstream sports, is commendable as it is a pivotal moment for social progress.

Collins' courage provides hope for future generations of aspiring athletes in knowing that they can reach their professional athletic goals, being who they are – just as they are. This transitional moment in history also represents a gateway to change; one that we hope will inspire the courage of other professional sports men and women who are silent members of the LGBT community to live their lives out loud.

The admirable fortitude Jason Collins has shown by openly identifying as a Black, gay athlete is a landmark on the path toward LGBT inclusivity within the culture of professional sports. It is our hope that Collins’ honesty will help to advance the conversation around the acceptance of human diversity in a historically homophobic setting.

The Center for Black Equity celebrates this milestone on the path to positive change and encourages the National Basketball Association and other sports leagues to work toward cultivating an environment of inclusion for all its players.

Published: May 1, 2013
Updated: May 1, 2013