LOS ANGELES – Three Illinois student-athletes took part in the 2024 Black Student-Athlete Summit from May 23-26 on the campus of the University of Southern California. Genesis Bryant of Women's Basketball, Micheala Gentry of Women's Gymnastics, and Kenenna Odeluga of Football represented the Fighting Illini in Los Angeles.
More than 1,500 student-athletes, university professionals, and industry leaders from across the country took part in the annual event, which featured four days of engaging and informative events, panels, and discussions.
"This opportunity enabled me to get knowledge needed to navigate through being a Black student-athlete in a predominantly White sport," Gentry said. "During this time, I was able to share similar stories, which allowed me to become refreshed with knowledge. The BSAS is an opportunity like no other, and I left feeling better than I was before I came in."
The trip kicked off mid-week beginning with the Summit Cypher, which included sessions on various topics for attendees to explore. Some sessions included topics like financial literacy;Â diversity, equity, and inclusion;Â and entrepreneurship. On Day 2, the Illini contingent attended an array of forums on Friday morning. A career networking fair took place on the night of May 24 before the group took part in a more casual evening gathering.
The third day of events featured several more forums and panel discussions, including Pro Day, during which current student-athletes heard from former student-athletes who are now experts and professionals across different industries and career paths. Industries included brand marketing, public relations, creative design, executive leadership, law, human resources, and more. Saturday evening allowed attendees to explore Los Angeles ahead of the final day of activities.
Bryant took part in the "Sweethearts vs. Villains: A Memorable Season in Women's College Basketball," which also featured women's basketball student-athletes from Baylor, Georgia, North Texas, and Texas.
"The BSAS made me realize how important my voice is and the importance of educating myself on legislation that concerns me and people that look like me," Bryant said.
Odeluga says the importance of self-advocacy and voice were his biggest takeaways, while Gentry summed up the experience as "educational, empowering, and uplifting."
