Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – In celebration of Black History Month, Virginia Tech Athletics is excited to host the second annual Embracing Our Culture: Black History Month panel, presented by Cox Communications, on Wednesday, February 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
"At Cox, diversity, equity and inclusion are the golden thread that ties our culture together, sparking innovation and helping our people reach their full potential,” said Catherine Mitchell, senior vice president for Cox Communications. “We’re grateful for our partnership with Virginia Tech, which lets us connect with and inspire the next generation of leaders as we continue this important conversation and build a more inclusive future."
The event, which is open to department employees and community partners, will feature a panel discussion on fostering inclusive communities, education and excellence. The following coaches will discuss the importance of celebrating Black voices, using their platform to make a positive impact, and building a community that embraces differences:
- Cleopatra Borel - Virginia Tech track and field assistant coach for throws; four-time Olympian, Borel competed for the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016.
- Fontel Mines - Virginia Tech football assistant head coach, offensive recruiting coordinator, wide receivers coach; a four-year letterwinner and wide receiver at the University of Virginia, and former Chicago Bears tight end.
- Christian Webster - Virginia Tech men's basketball assistant coach; Harvard’s winningest player with 90 career victories and ESPN's men's basketball coaches 40-under-40 recipient.
Track and field student-athlete Madison McConico will moderate the panel. McConico also serves as Virginia Tech's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Inclusion Task Force chair.
Lunch will be provided in the Merryman Lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the McConnell Auditorium.