On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Winthrop Eagles took on the Campbell Fighting Camels in a head to head battle. The game itself was credited as a cultural event because of its theme: Black History Month.
Throughout the game, videos were shown on the jumbotron of some women’s basketball team members explaining what they know about black history, what they’ve been taught about it and what it means to them.
Sophomore Maleeah Langstaff touched on what Black History Month focuses on.
“This month focuses on shining a light & bringing under acknowledged African American people into the shining light they deserve. This month helps African Americans remember to set their goals high because we can achieve whatever we set our minds to and so much more.”
Langstaff also said that for her, “black history month means a set out time to recognize African American achievements.”
Langstaff along with teammates, sophomores Jah’che Whitfield, Sydney Buckley and Kem Nwabudu, were the game’s key leaders. Langstaff ended the game after 28 minutes on the floor with eight points from the field. Whitfield ended the game with 25 minutes on the floor, scoring 10 points and recording two assists, three steals, two free throws and six rebounds. Buckley ended the game with 15 minutes on the floor, scoring 10 points and recording three rebounds. Nwabudu ended the game with 25 minutes on the floor, scoring 12 points and recording three assists, two steals and eight rebounds.The Eagles overall scored 40.3 percent from the field, 63.6 percent from the line and 11.1 percent from behind the arc.
Head Coach Lynette Woodard was also a big part of the tribute to Black History Month. During halftime, Woodard was shown on the jumbotron explaining black history within the game of basketball, what it means to essentially be a part of that history and what it feels like to be helping write the story of black excellence and black achievement.
“[Black History Month] means that African Americans have made some advancements in sport particularly in basketball,” Woodard said. “When I think of black history period, I feel so honored and proud of all of the achievements.”
Amongst many other accomplishments, Woodard was the first female Harlem Globetrotter. Many thank Woodard for her achievements for the advancement in basketball, especially for African American women.
Langstaff said that the month isn’t just about recognizing the familiar faces of the month.
“It’s also a time to thank and show our gratitude for African Americans who have paved the way and worked hard to give us a chance to show our greatness. Too many times African American achievements go unrecognized or don’t get the acknowledgement they deserve,” Langstaff said.
During the game, the Eagles recorded 12 steals total, tying their season high. Unfortunately, at the end of the game, the Eagles fell 58-61 to the Fighting Camels.
The Eagles will next Radford in the Winthrop Coliseum on Saturday, Feb. 29 at 4 p.m.
