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Golf has long been difficult to access for communities of color. The obstacles ranged from radical racist practices in member clubs to more systemic problems involving course locations or even the cost of equipment.
Howard University, one of the most prestigious historically black American colleges, is attempting to increase opportunities for black players by announcing Monday the school's first Division I men's and women's golf program. N.B.A. Star Stephen Curry, a golf enthusiast, is committed to funding this program for at least six years, starting in the 2020-2021 season.
"Today, it's obviously a historic opportunity for Howard, but also for all historically black colleges and universities," said Dr. Wayne AI Frederick, president of Howard University, at a Press Conference at Langston Golf Course in Washington, DC The name of this course is named after John Mercer Langston, who in 1890 became the first African-American elected to Congress and the first dean of the Law School of Howard.
"This is an avenue for students who would not otherwise be able to attend Howard University to use and participate in golf," said Frederick.
The university previously had a division II team that had existed for at least five decades, as well as intramural golf programs. The resurrection of the program, first reported by the Washington Post, the result of a chance meeting between Curry and a student during a screening on campus in January of the documentary "Emanuel" on the mass shoot in 2015 at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Charleston. the executive producer of the film.
After the screening, the student, Otis Ferguson, went to Curry to discuss efforts to make sport more integrated on campus. Curry told this conversation at the press conference on Monday and singled out Ferguson, a new leader who was applauded by the crowd.
"We connected to golf and our passion for the game," said Curry. "I think I can speak for you," referring to Ferguson, "about what the game has taught us to both of us, about who we are, things that Dr. Frederick also said about responsibility, competition, discipline. All these different ideas that I learned through golf. "
Curry and Howard did not reveal how much money he would give to the program, but the Post said it would be in the seven digits. In thanking Curry, Frederick made an oblique reference to the state of many heated political debates in the country that made the headlines.
"We are living a very interesting time in our country and in the history of our country," said Frederick. "There is no doubt about it. There are many things for which we must be cynical. Much for us to be disappointed, especially in terms of rhetoric. However, I think we all need to make sure we invest in the people who invest in us. "
"Mr. Curry represents what is great in America," said Frederick.
According to N.C.A., about 6% of college-level golfers are Black, Latino or Native American. Despite the influence of Tiger Woods and the general increase in the number of players participating in the game, one or the other has resulted in a significant increase in the number of minorities playing. According to the National Golf Foundation, 2.6 million people played for the first time in 2018, the fourth consecutive annual increase. Among beginners, 26% identified themselves as "non-Caucasian", which was attributed in part to the growth of Asian participants. Between 2007 and 2018, the total number of African American players increased from 1.5 million to 800,000.
With Curry's help, Howard hopes these numbers will change.
"Otis talked about talking about existence, not knowing if it will happen or not," Curry said. "There is a lesson to be learned from this, so please do it. It will go well beyond the game of golf. "
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