The University of Mississippi Athletics
Soledad O'Brien Visits Ole Miss
2/26/2014 | Rebel Ready
Feb. 26, 2014
TWITTER: @Rebel_Ready
OXFORD, Miss. -Ole Miss minority student-athletes and athletics administration were able to share in a discussion on diversity and inclusion with former CNN anchor Soledad O'Brien, as part of O'Brien's Black in America Town Hall Tour and Ole Miss' Black History Month initiatives.
"Soledad's presentations throughout the day were necessary not only for our campus, but the nation," said Assistant Athletic Director for Internal Operations Dr. Jamil Northcutt. "The insight she shared and the ability to provoke thought truly enlightened our university and surrounding community".
Ole Miss Athletic Director Ross Bjork, echoed Northcutt's sentiments on O'Brien's visit as well as the topics she discussed.
"Soledad O'Brien's visit and presentation was inspiring, energetic and real," said Bjork. "Her studies on race and her visit to our campus allow all of us to have a frank discussion on how we can all learn and keep improving the society in which we live. Her perspective that intercollegiate athletics can be a common denominator for those with differences to come together is a healthy approach and one that we will keep promoting. We are grateful that our students, student-athletes, and community had a chance to hear from her."
O'Brien, who is widely known for her CNN series Black in America, is the CEO of Starfish Media Group and was on campus as part of Ole Miss' Black History Month programming. O'Brien did a town hall public address to the Ole Miss and Oxford community at the Gertrude Ford Center, featuring a panel discussion with community leaders as well as Ole Miss students.
"I enjoyed visiting with Soledad on a variety of topics," said Ole Miss head track and field/cross country coach Brian O'Neal. "I applaud her for the work she does to shed light on tough issues.
After her community address, Ole Miss minority student-athletes were able to share in a Q&A session with O'Brien on the topics of diversity and inclusion as well as talk about current events.
"It was great having Soledad O'Brien speak to us," said women's basketball player Amber Singletary. "It was refreshing to hear her speak on race and diversity, as well as hear her journey in her profession."
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