(Second of a Two-Part Series Honoring Black History Month)
Grand Rapids, Mich. — In Part I, Aquinas student-athletes reflected on identity — on pride, pressure, and the emotional layers that can come with competing as a Black student-athlete in 2026.
But honoring Black History Month is not only about reflection.
It is about responsibility.
It is about asking what belonging truly looks like — and who is helping build it.
At a small, relationship-driven Catholic institution like Aquinas College, culture is not abstract. It is shaped daily — in locker rooms, in classrooms, in team meetings, and in quiet conversations that either build trust or erode it.
For the student-athletes who shared their stories, belonging is not assumed.
It is earned.
And it is protected.
Growth — Even When It's Uncomfortable
For Marcus Mitchell, belonging did not feel automatic.
"When I first came to campus, most of my teammates were cool, but a lot of them weren't the nicest to me," he said. "It made me want to transfer."
That honesty matters.
It would be easier to pretend growth is seamless.
But growth is often uncomfortable.
"After last year and this year and having conversations, everything has gotten completely better," Mitchell said.
Conversations.
Not silence.
Not avoidance.
Conversations.
Mitchell also believes visibility matters — especially in an era where social media shapes perception and identity.
"We could do more with the social media aspect," he said. "Put more of us in the spotlight."
In 2026, representation is not limited to who is on the roster.
It includes who is visible.
Support Systems Matter
Cam Moore believes culture starts with the people closest to you.
"Teammates, coaches, and athletic departments are very important in creating a space where athletes feel valued, supported, and heard," Moore said. "Without that support, you may not feel comfortable being who you truly want to be."
He also pointed to something practical.
"At the college level, there are more resources there for you to use. Don't be afraid to leverage them."
Support is not always dramatic.
Sometimes it is knowing someone will listen.
Sometimes it is knowing someone will stand beside you.
Culture Is Built, Not Assumed
For Calena Foster, belonging feels tangible.
"My coach has never once made me feel less than anyone," she said. "The team is one big family where everyone is free to have an opportunity, opinion, and voice."
That kind of environment does not happen by accident.
It is cultivated.
Shema Reponse sees it through a spiritual lens.
"All people are one and we were created in God's image," he said. "There's no point in separating."
At a Catholic institution, that perspective carries weight.
Belonging is not simply about policy.
It is about dignity.
Institutional Responsibility
For Dr. Alicia Lloyd, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, Black History Month is both reflective and forward-moving.
"I believe it is vital that we continue to celebrate Black History Month to acknowledge all the sacrifices that have gotten us to where we are and to keep us motivated towards our future," Lloyd said. "This is especially important for student-athletes because of all the advocacy and work towards progress that has included athletes. As leaders in our community, it's vital for our student-athletes to continue the legacy of being advocates for justice and using their platform for good."
Her words connect athletics to leadership.
Not just performance.
Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Damon Bouwkamp echoed that responsibility.
"Black History Month gives us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the shoulders our student-athletes stand on," Bouwkamp said. "But it's also a reminder that progress doesn't happen by accident. It happens when institutions commit to creating spaces where every student-athlete feels seen, valued, and supported."
From the academic side, Provost and Vice President Dr. Terry Keller framed it simply:
"Higher education has a responsibility not only to educate, but to cultivate belonging. When our students feel heard and valued, they are able to grow into confident leaders prepared to impact their professions and communities. That is part of our mission as a Catholic institution."
And for Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Woman Leader Ashley Kaman, that commitment cannot be seasonal.
"Creating an environment where every athlete feels valued, heard, and empowered isn't a one-month commitment — it's ongoing work."
Ongoing.
Not performative.
Not temporary.
Ongoing.
Looking Forward
When asked what advice they would give the next generation of high school athletes, the responses were consistent.
"Ask for help," Mitchell said. "Step out of your comfort zone."
"Grind as much as you can — physically and mentally," Foster added.
"Don't take it for granted," Moore emphasized.
"You deserve to be here," Fisher said in Part I.
From Legendary Lloyd Brown, to Art Lee and now Cam Moore, the throughline is clear.
Belonging is not passive.
It is something you step into.
Something you protect.
Something you build together.
Belonging Is Built Every Day
The legacy continues — not just in record books, but in locker rooms, classrooms, and conversations that make Aquinas stronger because every voice matters.
Black History Month challenges more than reflection — it challenges action. It invites every member of the Aquinas community, not just in February but throughout the year, to be more intentional about listening, more open to perspectives different from our own, and more welcoming to every student regardless of background or culture. Inclusion is not a program or a post — it is a daily choice. And when we choose to lead by example in our classrooms, in our locker rooms, and in our conversations, we reflect the very values that make Aquinas special.
When our student-athletes compete with pride, grow with confidence, and know they belong — that's when it's truly a great day to be a Saint.
