Martin University, Indiana’s only Predominantly Black Institution of Higher Education, is pleased to announce the participation of its President, Dr. Sean Huddleston in an upcoming national event focused on racial equity and justice.
This September, the Sacramento Kings, in partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Indiana Pacers and Fever, Dallas Mavericks and Wings, and Cleveland Cavaliers announced that they will host the third “Team Up for Change” summit. As in previous years, the objective of the summit is to unite, inspire and activate a shared commitment to racial equality and social justice within the NBA and WNBA. The eight-day experience will begin with a virtual event on Wednesday, October 21 at 9 a.m. PT (12 p.m. ET), followed by an interactive week of activism from October 22nd – 28th. Each day features community activations in local team markets and a nine-part online content series.
Dr. Huddleston, whose entire career in higher education has centered around diversity and inclusion, will speak on the topic of Inclusive Excellence. “I shared the stage with Dr. Katrice Albert, a nationally recognized diversity and inclusion leader, to speak on behalf of Pacers Sports and Entertainment about important topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We discussed Inclusive Excellence. For those who may not be familiar with the term, Inclusive Excellence occurs when organizations are intentional about going beyond simply achieving greater diversity,” explained Dr. Huddleston.
“These are organizations that are truly equity-minded, and commit to ensuring that every individual, action, policy, and practice is rooted in equity and inclusion so that there are no real or perceived gaps in outcomes and experiences for those who have been historically marginalized and disadvantaged because of their race. Dr. Albert and I underscored the notion that now, more than ever before, we must collectively find ways to eradicate the barriers that prevent Inclusive Excellence.”
Dr. Huddleston continues, “Overall, the event aims to inspire and activate people to get involved in the solutions needed around important topics like justice reform, economic disparities, and creating more equitable and inclusive outcomes for the historically disadvantaged. Inviting Martin University to the conversation confirms that we are continuing to be considered a thought-leader and important voice for racial equity and justice.”
The approximately 3-hour event will begin with remarks from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver followed by messages from NBA Champion Caron Butler, NBA and WNBA players and team executives, and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Each team will lead a conversation addressing one of the following issues: police accountability and brutality, criminal justice reform, economic empowerment, diversity and inclusion, and civic engagement.
This free virtual event will be live-streamed on team digital channels and geared toward an audience of high school and college-aged students, youth advocates, community leaders, team employees, season ticket members and corporate partners.
Visit Team Up to learn more about this year’s summit including a full list of speakers and group participants.