Over the past several months the call for change in this country in response to social injustice and racial-inequality has been nothing short of historic. As head men's basketball coach Dedrique Taylor contemplated his response to what he was witnessing across the country, two words immediately came to mind; love and productivity. On a team comprised of primarily black student-athletes, Taylor understood the significance of the message he would deliver to his team and the opportunity currently presented before them. The message to the team was clear; you as young adults count, your opinions matter, and your voices must be heard.
In an effort to educate his players and teach them how to tangibly be productive in a moment like this, Taylor explained that words alone will not produce the change each of them sought, actions would be required. In an unprecedented response to the challenge presented before them, the team, along with all coaches and support staff, decided they would register to vote in the upcoming Presidential election and participate in their constitutionally given right. Junior College transfer Jalen Harris, who like the rest of his teammates will be voting for the first time, stated that "talking about the social-injustice we are seeing across the country can certainly bring awareness, but voting has a chance to bring real change."
Today is #NationalVoterRegistrationDay! The entire @FullertonMBB team have done their part and are ALL registered to vote #TusksUp #BigWestCares
— Titans Athletics (@FullertonTitans) September 22, 2020
��Read why it was important for them to do so: https://t.co/tLJqXXBdlx @BigWestSports @NCAA @csuf pic.twitter.com/sUIv0MLwzh
The call to action quickly transformed from a coach fed idea to a player lead reality. The team took ownership of the moment and embraced the opportunity to vote with the same passion and determination they bring to the court day in and day out. First year player Landis Spivey, who came to Cal State Fullerton after a successful career at Columbia Community College, described the opportunity to vote as a privilege and said the entire team was ecstatic to be part of this historic movement. However, for Taylor the experience of voting in the upcoming election carries a far greater significance for the players then simply casting a ballot.
"I hope this experience is a first step in teaching these players how to become professional adults. This is not about a moment in time, but yet the start of a movement where these players have an opportunity to be part of generational change that will impact their families, spouses, and children long after I'm gone."
The thought of being part of real change in a time when this country so desperately needs it has inspired Harris and Spivey to think beyond just voting in November. The process of registering to vote for the first time, talking to their peers about the importance of their actions, and the excitement of having their voice heard via the ballot box has naturally begged the question, what's next? When asked what a next step could look like Harris explained "I'm not sure. Now that I've registered to vote I can learn more about history and learn about other opportunities. The important thing is to take action and see where it takes you." Authentic leaders on the court, both players now see an opportunity to use their skill set to not only bring awareness to issues impacting our society, but to be champions of behaviors that lead to meaningful reform. Inspired himself by the words of his players, Taylor says his team needs to continue their dialogue about social-injustice well after November and discuss the next steps in the fight for change.
In response to the most recent events, Titan Athletics launched Voices of the Heard, a new anti-racism initiative. The purpose is to shine light on the voices in the Titans Athletics community (student-athletes, coaches, administration, staff, and campus leaders) while spreading awareness of the department's stand with anti-racism. When asked if the athletic department has taken adequate steps in order to address the issue, Harris explained "it's a step in the right direction. I would like to see those who lead our athletic department be consistent and creative in this fight. If Voices of the Heard fades away after the election, then the initiative was about a single moment rather than a movement for change." Taylor hopes those across campus, members of our community, and other sports programs with Titan athletics can see beyond the action his players are taking and hear the message clearly.
The team has yet to finalize their plans on Election Day but one thing is for certain, there will be a party! To celebrate his players for their courage and leadership in this fight against social-injustice, Taylor plans to bring the team together after they vote to cap off a day which will hold significant meaning to all those involved in the basketball operation. Taylor wanted love and productivity to be the nucleus to his response against social-injustice and racial inequality. Well, spend fifteen minutes having a conversation with players like Jalen Harris and Landis Spivey and not only will you be inspired, but you will be moved. When asked about the support and guidance they receive from their coach, a candid Landis Spivey stated "his support is monumental in my life right now. Having grown up without a father I feel like Coach Taylor is my father figure and I will love him the rest of my life." Harris shared his teammate's sentiments adding "Coach Taylor is the reason I choose Fullerton. When I spoke with alumni they told me coach cares for his players and will be there for you the rest of your life. That's somebody I wanted to play for."
It's difficult to predict how many games this basketball team will win during the upcoming season. But, what is crystal clear is these players, under the guidance and leadership of their head coach, will without a doubt be prepared to win over the next several years of their lives.