LUG x Black History Month

This Black History Month, we are recognizing the athletes who made a positive difference in sport. 

We want to pay tribute to the brave individuals who have advanced the conversation regarding inclusivity and equality in sports for black athletes and fellow minorities. Athletes like the ones we are highlighting this month have fought to create positive social change against racism and racial prejudice in sports through their heroic example both in and out of the athletic arena. 

It is important for all of us to acknowledge the mission to combat racism. Sports are for everyone. Period. 

Akim Aliu

Professional Hockey Player

Chair for the Hockey Diversity Alliance

Click HERE to learn more about the Hockey Diversity Alliance

Matt Dumba

NHL Player on the Minnesota Wild

Member of the Hockey Diversity Alliance executive committee

Sarah Nurse

Canadian Hockey Gold Medalist

Board member for the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) with intentions to take action in the community concerning Black Lives Matter

Willie O'Ree

Former NHL Player for the Boston Bruins

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2018 as part of the "Builder" category

Known for showing courage when he broke the league's colour barrier 60 years ago

Grant Fuhr

Former NHL Goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres

First black NHL All-Star Game MVP and inductee to the Hockey Hall of Fame

PK Subban

NHL Player for the New Jersey Devils

Currently executive producer for the new docuseries, "Black Life: A Canadian History"

Aims to educate audiences and spark conversation of racism in sport

Angela James

Coach for The Toronto Six

Named "the first superstar of modern women's hockey" and hailed as a pioneer who brought the women's game into the mainstream

Serena Williams

Winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles in women's tennis - most successful female tennis player of the Open Era

Advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement

Jackie Robinson

Former professional baseball player

Became the first African American to play in Major League Baseball

Broke the colour barrier in the MLB

Tiger Woods

The GOAT of golf and one of the most dominant athletes of his time

Single-handedly changed the public's perception of golf

An idol for kids everywhere, and more significantly, a golf idol to many for the first time in their lives.

Major supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement

Jesse Owens

American track and field athlete

Won 4 Gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games

Battled poverty and racial bigotry with sporting success

Michael Jordan

Former NBA Player - some would say the GOAT

Won 6 championships with the Chicago Bulls

Amongst other activities, he has pledged $50 million to racial and social-justice groups

Doug Williams

Former NFL quarterback and coach

Became the first African American quarterback taken in the first round of an NFL draft, and the only starting African American quarterback in the NFL at the time