Xray, Doctor, Sports medicine — (Photo: Gustavo Fring/Pexels)

by Shanique Yates

June 28, 2024

NFL Tackles Racial Disparity In Medicine With Year Three Of Diversity In Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative

The NFL aims to combat racial disparity in medicine with the third year of its Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.

The National Football League is on a mission to dispel racial disparity in medicine by providing Black medical students across the nation with the opportunity to gain real-time experience in sports medicine.

In its third year partnering alongside the NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative has matched students across 21 medical schools, including four programs at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with NFL club medical staffs to participate in clinical rotations centered around sports medicine and/or orthopedic surgery for one month.

“The Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society is once again immensely proud to be a part of such an impactful program,” said PFATS President and Vice President of Player Health and Performance for the Green Bay Packers Bryan “Flea” Engel. “Now entering its third year overall and its second as a league-wide expansion, the Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative speaks to the commitment that the NFL has in growing the opportunities in the areas of health and safety.”

He added, “The program creates unique experiences for medical students with diverse backgrounds within the NFL clubs’ medical staffs. This program is invaluable, not only to the students but to the NFL medical staff as well. It gives our staffs the opportunity to mentor these impressive students and recruit them towards a field providing the very best in medical care.”

A 2024 report shared by International Medical Aid revealed that out of the 107 HBCUs across the nation, only four of them have accredited medical school programs, showcasing racial disparity in medicine. Those institutions include Meharry Medical College (MMC), Howard University College of Medicine (HUCOM), Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), and the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, which will all participate in the NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative.

Of HBCUs, only HUCOM is among the 15 medical schools in the U.S. with the highest enrollment rate of Black students.

In 2023, U.S. News data revealed that an average of 18.3% of the students enrolled in the schools are Black. The NFL Diversity in Sports Medicine Pipeline Initiative, which was launched in 2022, is on a mission to dispel that narrative by offering a league-wide program that “aims to increase and diversify the pipeline of students interested in pursuing careers in sports medicine.”

In turn, they also look to develop a more diverse club of medical staff across the NFL.

“The NFL and clubs across the league are excited to welcome this year’s class of medical students and offer them the unique opportunity to complete clinical rotations with NFL club medical staffs,” said Dr. Allen Sills, NFL Chief Medical Officer. “We have an impressive group of participants joining us from a growing roster of medical schools this season as we continue our efforts to bring interested diverse and underrepresented medical students into the sports medicine professional pipeline.”

The Kansas City Chiefs, this year’s Super Bowl VIII champions, are among the teams participating in the program, as well as the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions, and a host of other NFL teams that will open the doors of its NFL club medical staffs to aspiring Black physicians selected to attend the program.

Currently, 32 teams make up the NFL, and a total of 28 students across the 21 participating medical schools have been assigned to their respective NFL club medical staff. The program will kickoff next month alongside the start of training camps for the 2024 NFL season.

Max Roach, Jazz Musician — (Photo: William P. Gottlieb, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Jazz Musician Max Roach Gets Brooklyn Street Renamed In His Honor

"Max Roach Way" was introduced in the Brooklyn Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood where he grew up.

A Brooklyn neighborhood has honored the late jazz musician Max Roach by renaming a corner after him. If you visit Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy), you’ll now see a street named “Max Roach Way.”

According to Brooklyn Magazine, the iconic musician, composer, and Civil Rights activist’s name appears at the corner of Greene and Marcy Avenues. In 1940, Roach lived at 541 Greene Ave. with his family. The name change occurred on June 19 in the neighborhood the drummer grew up in. Although he was born in North Carolina, he was raised in Brooklyn during the Great Depression. After honing his musical skills and attending Boys High School, he got his first gig with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, which started his legendary career. Roach, who died in 2007, would have been 100 this year. He was born on Jan. 10, 1924.

According to a Facebook post by his son, Raoul Roach, the renaming ceremony is one of several events commemorating Roach’s birthday.

“MAX ROACH WAY” stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Roach’s contributions to music and culture. This street co-naming honors not only his extraordinary talent and achievements but also his deep roots in the Brooklyn community. The City of New York and the Max Roach Family invite residents and jazz enthusiasts alike to join in commemorating the legacy of Max Roach, whose innovative spirit and dedication to his craft continue to inspire generations.”

At the renaming ceremony, Mayor Eric Adams spoke about the musician and said, “Max was basically a physician because music can heal, and there’s so much hate out there that can divide us, he had the power to reconnect us.”

Roach co-founded Brooklyn-based Debut Records, making it the first musician-owned record label that “played a pivotal role in the advancement of jazz.”

Roach worked with many esteemed artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and many others.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, Primary Re-Election Bid — WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 13: U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) speaks at a news conference calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol building on November 13, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Democrats held the news conference alongside rabbis with the activist group Jewish Voices for Peace. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

by Sharelle B. McNair

June 28, 2024

There Are Mixed Reactions To Jamaal Bowman Becoming The First ‘Squad’ Member To Lose Primary Re-Election Bid

We still love you, Rep. Bowman!

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) became the first member of the group of House legislators known as “The Squad” to lose a primary re-election bid, and there are mixed feelings.

Bowman, 48, lost the high-profile election to Westchester County Executive George Latimer, 70, on June 25 to represent the Bronx-area district. As Bowman has been labeled as a “progressive,” Latimer has been deemed more a moderate Democrat with 35 years of political experience, said he’s “got a record of showing you what I do and how I do it.”

Squad members have issued support for Bowman following the results of the race. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) released a statement, calling out the pro-Israel lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), $20 million spent to unseat Bowman.

“That was the staggering price tag on unseating Jamaal Bowman – a Black former middle school principal and transformative, effective progressive legislator unafraid to challenge the status quo and stand up for regular, everyday people,” she wrote.

“…AIPAC and their allies – backed by far-right Donald Trump mega-donors – poured a tidal wave of cash into this primary race, showing us just how desperate these billionaire extremists are in their attempts to buy our democracy, promote their own gain and silence the voices of progress and justice.”

My statement on AIPAC’s threat to Democracy.

Their far-right SuperPac and allies spent $20M to unseat my brother @JamaalBowmanNY.

Read more here: pic.twitter.com/NHKNyqJU1z
— Cori Bush (@CoriBush) June 26, 2024

Bowman himself called the group out during his concession speech, saying, “We should be outraged when a super PAC of dark money can spend (millions of) dollars to brainwash people into believing something that isn’t true.”

The AIPAC supported Latimer’s campaign with more than $1.5 million in donations. Just days before the election, Bowman spoke at a rally and said his supporters would show the group who has “the power” of the South Bronx. However, those supporters he felt would re-elect him jumped on social media to claim the opposite.

“Jamaal Bowman did this to himself. Now, he gotta take this big L.,” @iamchanteezy wrote on X.

“As for Latimer, I hope his campaign continues to campaign in Westchester County as well as make rounds in the Northeast Section of The Bronx (including Wakefield, Co-Op city, etc). #Elections2024”

https://twitter.com/iamchanteezy/status/1805792187054956729

Comments such as, ”Yes, he did do it to himself,” flooded under the video. Another comment accused Bowman of being anti-semitic and pushing anti-Semitism to take over if he would.

“Let’s see if Bowman will campaign to keep the seat with the Democrats… That we know the answer to that tells much of why he lost f’n big tonight for an incumbent,” @yoclockface said.

“I tell ya, if JB won, it would have really told me that vile Anti-semitism would not be a dealbreaker for too many.”

Others are calling on Latimer, who received heavy endorsements from former First Lady and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, to spend time in the Bronx over the summer months if he really wants the residents’ support.

While GOP legislators like Marjorie Taylor Greene took the time to ridicule Bowman in his defeat, Democratic and fellow New York leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued support but stood with the voters on their decision.

“The results speak for themselves. The voters have spoken,” Jeffries said, according to Politico. “And we accept those results across the board, across the country.”

Tupac, Keefe D, bail denied — (Photo: Pool/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Tupac Murder Suspect Keefe D Denied Bail After ‘Source Hearing’

Judge Carli Kierny believes hip-hop manager Wack100 provided the funds to obtain the rights to Keefe D's story.

After learning that Keefe D, suspected of involvement in the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur, had the necessary funds to post a $750,000 bond for house arrest, a judge denied the request, ruling that the suspect will remain in custody until his trial in November.

According to KTNV Las Vegas, when notified of Keefe D’s release request, prosecutors requested a “source hearing” to determine how he was able to secure the bond legally. Judge Carli Kierny held the hearing on June 25. Cash “Wack100” Jones, manager of artists such as Ray J and The Game, was revealed as the benefactor who provided the bond money. Despite his testimony, Judge Kierny denied the request to place Keefe D on house arrest with electronic monitoring.

Kierny stated she wasn’t convinced that Keffe D did not make arrangements to sell the rights to his story to Wack. In Nevada, convicted killers are not allowed to profit from the crimes they commit.

Wack appeared via an online link and informed the judge that he paid 15% of the bail amount, which comes out to $112,500. He insisted that it was a “gift” from his business accounts. He claimed there was no arrangement or financial agreement in place for the money he put up. Yet, prosecutors showed a recent video that revealed Wack talking to DJ Vlad stating he would post bond for Keefe D to get the rights to do a television series about him.

“It’s only $75,000,” Wack said in the interview. “I’ve been thinking about going to get him with the stipulations that I’ll do the series on it.”

After the revelation, Wack claims that he only said that to help the interview gain more views.

“That’s what I said to Vlad but Keefe D is already involved with somebody. I have no contracts with him. Before you go on Vlad, you have a discussion about what you’re going to talk about and what needs to be said to draw up views. There’s nothing about Vlad and nothing about YouTube that says that we’re being truthful about what we’re saying for entertainment.”

Prosecutors also played an audio tape of a phone call between Wack and Keefe D talking about the arrangement.

“You got to remember, this s**t can set you up for the rest of your life. I will get you out and then we’ll sit down and talk about all that,” Wack tells Keefe D.

In the judge’s ruling, he stated, “While Mr. Jones testified he was bonding out Mr. Davis because Mr. Davis was fighting cancer and had been a pillar of the community, his previous interviews with VladTV suggested another motive.”

The former gang member has been in jail at the Clark County Detention Center in Las Vegas since he was arrested last Sept. 29. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

Ghostface Killah, Jay-Z, RZA, GZA — (Photos from left: Mercedes Oliver/NBAE via Getty Images; Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images; Mika-photography; CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons;Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Ghostface Killah Recalls Jay-Z Reminding RZA And GZA About Owing Him $500

The billionaire asked the Wu-Tang Clan members if they 'remember that time you ain’t really pay me?'

On a recent episode of “Million Dollaz Worth of Game” starring Gillie Da Kid and Wallace Peeples, Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah recalled a time when Jay-Z approached group members about the group owing him $500.

The Staten Island recording artist told the co-hosts that this conversation took place several years ago, before his billionaire status. He didn’t give the context of where or how the conversation came up, but he did remind folks that that’s part of the Brooklyn rapper’s rep.

“I remember one time, I think, RZA and Genius were telling me that Hov was on the list with us to do a show or whatever. But we gave him some time. Long story short, n**gas ain’t pay him the money, right? So, you know how Hov is. He wait. A few years down the line, and bring it up to one of the n**gas. Like, ‘Yeah, remember that time you ain’t really pay me?’”

He goes on to say that, at the time, he didn’t know about the situation until RZA and the Genius informed him of what went down. But they all commented that Jay-Z wasn’t a billionaire back then. Ghostface then stated that the “Hard Knock Life” lyricist was just “getting his feet wet at that time.”

Meanwhile, the “Ironman” emcee got his feet wet earlier this year when he released his tome, “Rise of a Killah: My Life in the Wu-Tang.”

The book is described as an autobiography that takes us back to his childhood in the Shaolin, as the popular supergroup calls their Staten Island hometown.

He talked about the trials and tribulations he faced growing up on the island as he and his fellow emcees took the world by storm at a time when hip-hop was making its metaphoric rise to the top of American culture.

Oprah, Winfrey, AI, tv special — Photo by Arturo Holmes/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images

by Stacy Jackson

June 28, 2024

From Shame To Self-Acceptance: Oprah Winfrey Dives Deeper Into Her Weight Journey

Oprah reads the full letter she wrote to her younger self, acknowledging past struggles in her journey with self-esteem and people-pleasing.

Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul who has long been in the public eye, recently opened up about her weight journey on “The Jamie Kern Lima” podcast.

Despite hosting numerous shows on weight loss, Winfrey admitted, “I can’t even tell you how many conversations about it, but still carry my own shame.”

The conversation touched on pivotal moments in the billionaire’s life, including the famous 1988 episode of her show where she dramatically illustrated her weight loss with a wagon full of fat. However, it was in 2023 that Oprah had her “big Revelation” about weight management.

“There’s something in the brain that allows people like myself to metabolize fat differently than other people,” the OWN founder explained, shedding light on the biological aspects of weight control that had eluded her for decades.

She candidly discussed the public scrutiny she faced, saying, “For five years, every single week…there was a tabloid story or some exploitation of my weight.” She recalled hurtful experiences, including a skit on “In Living Color” that mocked her size.

“One of the most hurtful things was [when] ‘In Living Color’ had done a skit where the woman…just kept eating and getting fatter and fatter and fatter,” the television host shared. “The comedy bit was that eventually she just exploded, and you know the whole audience fell out, and the woman…was one of the sisters portraying me, but that was just accepted.”

Despite the challenges, Winfrey has reached a turning point. “I’m not carrying it into the next decade. I’m done with it,” she declared, emphasizing her decision to shed the emotional burden of weight shame, expressing concern about how weight issues impact women’s lives, stating, “We believe the lie that our weight is our worth.” She advocated for faster dissemination of information to help people heal and stop tying their self-worth to their weight.

In her journey toward self-acceptance, the television producer has set new goals for herself, focusing on overall health rather than just numbers on a scale. She shared her experience of gradually building her physical endurance, starting with walking a mile. “It took me like an hour and a half to do it,” she recalled, but she persevered and improved steadily.

While Winfrey confirmed using medication as a maintenance tool for weight management, she emphasized the importance of making informed decisions about one’s health.

As Winfrey has already reached her 70th birthday, she reflected on her journey with a letter to her 20-year-old self, who she calls a “beautiful brown skin girl.” In the letter, she acknowledges past struggles with self-esteem and pleasing others. Despite the trauma, her faith in God remained her greatest strength. Inspired by Philippians 3:14, a pivotal moment came when she answered Chris Clark’s call.

Winfrey emphasizes the importance of self-love, seeing oneself through one’s eyes, and understanding that success is a process. She concludes by affirming her journey with few regrets.

A'ja Wilson, WNBA, Las Vegas Aces — (Photo: Lorie Shaull/Flickr)

by Stacy Jackson

June 28, 2024

A’ja Wilson Sets These Women Straight After Mocking Her Logo

A group of women representing Just Women's Sports posted a video online reacting to Wilson's new logo, implying it was 'A*s.'

WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson became the center of controversy after Just Women’s Sports, a platform ostensibly supporting female athletes, ridiculed her newly unveiled Nike logo in a social media post.

The platform shared a video on X featuring several women mocking Wilson’s emblem. Upon discovering the clip, Wilson swiftly responded, expressing her disappointment: “…this is lame asf coming from a site that is [supposed] to be for ‘us’…”

She acknowledged that opinions are part of the game but found the site’s approach particularly disheartening. The now-deleted video showed the group reacting to a description of Wilson’s logo, which blends the letter A with a star. One participant displayed a meme transforming the design into the word “A*s,” implying its poor quality.

Since they are wanna act scary lol here’s the video she is qt #wnba pic.twitter.com/3skOQLZvJE
— HBIC (@drea_quartz) June 26, 2024

Wilson’s supporters rallied behind her, praising the logo’s creativity and personal significance. One fan declared, “…It’s innovative and creative…it’s A’ONE!” while another emphasized its representation of Wilson’s personality. A third X user said they are ready to get Wilson’s logo on their shoes and shorts. Another fan wrote, “Why would you try to downplay it? If you can’t be positive about it, KEEP YOUR OPINION TO YOURSELF. WE SOUTH CAROLINA DON’T PLAY ABOUT A’JA WILSON.”

This incident follows a previous controversy in which Wilson faced accusations of jealousy after Nike announced a deal with Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. Wilson dismissed these claims, stating, “No one is jealous… I have no reason to be… I truly wish all 143 the best…”

lol no one is jealous bookie! I have no reason to be lol I truly Wish all 143 the best fr ! Our league is hard as hell so to thrive and to stay in it consistently.. is huge! So pls stop with this jealousy stuff https://t.co/ERRCCyqCO5
— A'ja Wilson (@_ajawilson22) April 18, 2024

On May 11, Nike welcomed Wilson to their signature athlete family. The brand highlighted her year-long collaboration in creating a collection that reflects her unique style and unapologetic authenticity. Nike lauded Wilson as “one of her generation’s most iconic basketball players.”

Wilson joins an elite group of female athletes with Nike signature lines, including tennis legend Serena Williams and soccer star Megan Rapinoe. This partnership underscores Nike’s commitment to elevating women’s sports and creating products with deeper meaning.

Livingstone College, Donation — (Photo: Livingstone College)

by Shanique Yates

June 28, 2024

Mystery Donor Pledges Sixth $1M Endowment To Livingstone College, 2nd Donation In Less Than A Month

Livingstone College has received its sixth unrestricted donation from a mystery donor, plans to use funds toward revitalization plans currently underway thanks to President Anthony Davis.

Livingstone College just received its sixth generous $1 million contribution, the second in under a month.

As one of the nation’s private historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Livingstone is one step closer to achieving its renovation goals thanks to a mystery donor who just processed a sixth $1 million donation to the school.

Dr. Anthony J. Davis, the college’s 13th president, is leading a $30 million campus revitalization project to help Livingstone continue to be home to students interested in business, liberal arts, STEAM, teacher education, and workforce development programs. The new funding will be used toward the renovations, which will be completed in five phases. The first wave of upgrades will include new residence halls and a cafeteria. Phase one is currently on track to be completed by the end of 2024.

“We have to roll up our sleeves and make the business case for supporting a private HBCU, so that’s what we’re doing,” said President Davis. “When you think about it, though, buildings and grounds become recruiting and retention tools.”

Tools that aren’t always readily accessible to students at HBCUs nationwide.

In a 2022 report spearheaded by the United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute, it was discovered that “nearly two-thirds of the 37 member-institution HBCUs that were surveyed between January and February “indicated they had more than $5 million in deferred maintenance.”

Moreover, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) revealed that public HBCUs, on average, have a total deferred maintenance of more than $60 million, so imagine what that looks like for private institutions like Livingstone.

The recent string of donations totaling $6 million will be used to continue pushing the needle forward for the North Carolina-based HBCU to combat current statistics, shared by the National Center for Education Statistics, that reveal that only two HBCUs in the state saw an increase in enrollment within the past ten years.

Despite the reports, Livingstone vice president of enrollment Anthony Brooks said recent initiatives like the “Ten City Tour” led by President Davis have not only brought new eyes to the school, but also provided prospective students with scholarships. Current students have access to a radio station, planetarium, podcast studio, and a new blue football field, along with renovation plans that are underway.

“We added a 34% increase in new students this past year, and we’re on trend to outdo that particular . . . increase from the previous year,” said Brooks. “We currently have a 23% increase in applications over last year, a 34% increase in admitted students and a 40% increase in paid deposits this year for the incoming class.”

He added, “We work with our doors open so students and families can come to campus with questions, and we’re able to work with those students, regardless of what they’re coming to the campus about,” said Brooks. “We make it a point to be able to help students.”

Located in Salisbury, North Carolina, Livingstone College was founded in 1879 as Zion Wesley Institute by a group of A.M.E. Zion ministers to train fellow clergymen. Since 1887, the school has operated under its current name, yet the institution’s mission remains the same: to provide various programs for students to thrive through a Christian-based environment equipped for holistic learning.

HBCU, Amazon, Prime Air Program — Image provided by Amazon

by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 28, 2024

HBCU Students Take Flight In Partnership With Amazon’s Prime Air Program

Four students from Hampton and Howard University learned of Prime Air's drone delivery operations at the tour.

HBCU students are taking flight through a growing partnership with Amazon Prime Air. Capstone scholars from Hampton and Howard University took part in the drone delivery program’s Technology and Innovation Tour.

Amazon’s first commercial drone delivery facility launched in College Station, Texas, at the end of 2022. Four students in aviation, mechanical engineering, and computer science witnessed the process first-hand, while also speaking with the diversity leaders and engineers leading its development. As the company hopes to evolve the way customers get their packages through the emerging technology, its focus has expanded to its HBCU partnerships.

Amanda Rodrigues Smith, senior manager of University Partnerships and DEI Initiatives at Amazon, spoke with BLACK ENTERPRISE of the partnership’s roots. Moreover, she emphasized their commitment to accessibility for all young engineers.

“We are collaborating at the university level to build a more comprehensive approach to teaching the fundamentals in mechanical engineering, computer science and aerospace,” explained Rodriguez Smith. “But that’s a part of this learning exchange, creating real time opportunities for students to learn and as we open up, you know, our offices as an extension of their labs. So there aren’t kind of barriers.”

She added, “It’s ultimately these students’ decision to choose where they take their foundational skills and how they apply that, and to provide them with the most options so that they have the ability to choose…It’s not just about flying drones, there’s actually different types of career opportunities that can be for a quality engineer.”

Beginning at Hampton University in 2021, a collaboration with Amazon Robotics was the start of a multi-year modernization plan. Its goals of funding labs and flying drones on campus hope to establishment a degree program in the measure. Students from Hampton and Howard have taken part in this capstone program, with fellow HBCU Tuskegee in the works. Some have also earned their pilot’s license to fly these innovative machines.

The fulfillment center will introduce a newer drone model soon, providing a sleeker look and quieter sound to its operations. Currently, its autonomous drone, whose flight paths are monitored by personnel, can deliver packages of up to 5 pounds within a 5 mile radius, all in 60 minutes or less. Witnessing the technological possibilities of the program also inspired the students to visualize a future in drone aviation.

“It’s pretty exciting because what I do right now with drones is more-so research and research-based missions. This is a much further step, going into a commercial laws,” shared Tyrique Moss, a Mechanical Engineering Major at Hampton. “My own goal is telling the future of aviation honestly, to do and see as much as I can. There’s so many different types of drones, different usage and utilities. You can expand from it to absolutely everywhere, as far as search and rescue to delivery. I can try and do that. That’s all out there for me.”

Amazon continues its DEI and upskilling initiatives in STEM, including its AI Ready program and Amazon Future Engineer. These measures hope to build a foundational skillset for students of all backgrounds to go higher with their dreams. As for the drone delivery sites, plans to launch a second location in Arizona are underway.

Doug Williams, Douglas Lee — (Photo: Doug Williams/Public Domain)

by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

June 28, 2024

Doug Williams Promoted To Senior Advisor To Washington Commanders’ General Manager

Williams has been involved with the organization for the past 10 years after winning a Super Bowl there in 1987.

Former Washington Redskins (now Commanders) quarterback Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, has been promoted to senior advisor to the general manager of the Washington Commanders. In his new role, Williams will be working alongside Commanders General Manager Adam Peters.

Doug Williams’ promotion to senior advisor to GM Adam Peters among several front-office changes announced by Commanders on Tuesdayhttps://t.co/nDfnF54J1O pic.twitter.com/oqJ9LvGDEi

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 25, 2024

Williams has been involved with the organization for the past 10 years after bringing a championship to the organization in 1987.

“It feels good to be around people who respect you,” Williams told Sports Illustrated‘s HBCU Legends. “This is a great regime in Washington.”

Williams started working with the Washington in 2014 when he took on the team’s personnel executive role. From 2017 to 2019, he was the senior vice president of player personnel and was promoted to senior vice president of player development in 2020. Jason Wright, the Commanders team president, promoted him to be his senior advisor in 2021.

After playing his college ball at Grambling State, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 17th overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft. That selection made him the first Black quarterback taken in the first round of the modern-day NFL draft.

Williams led the Bucs to the 1979 NFC Championship Game but after the 1982 season, he sat out a season after failed contract negotiations. He joined the USFL for two seasons before being brought back to the NFL to join Washington in 1986.

Williams is a member of the Washington Ring of Fame and Tampa Bay Ring of Honor. He was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Washington, D.C. Hall of Fame, and Black College Football Hall of Fame. He co-founded the Black College Football Hall of Fame with James “Shack” Harris in 2009. In 2022, the HBCU and NFL legends also founded the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

Williams also coached at Morehouse College and Grambling State University. Under Williams’ leadership, Grambling State won two straight Black college football national championships in 2000 and 2001. His teams won four SWAC championships (2000–2002, 2011), and he was named the SWAC Coach of the Year (2000-2002) for three straight years.