(By Howard Bankhead & Steve Mack)
For Black History Month 2026, I want to share a story that reminds us that Black history include all different types of people. It is not separate from American history — it is woven into it. And sometimes, the story of progress includes the quiet support of people who simply choose to do the right thing.
One of those people is my good friend, Steve Mack.
Before his retirement, Steve served as Vice President of Golf Operations and Director of Golf at SunBelt Golf Corporation. He was also the Head Golf Professional at Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Hampton Cove in Huntsville, Alabama. SunBelt Golf is the managing organization behind the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, one of the most respected golf destinations in the country.
But titles only tell part of the story.
In 2002, when I first started my youth golf development program, I went directly into one of the local housing (called housing project) communities — Calvary Hill, named after the 10th Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers.” At the time, Calvary Hill was often viewed through a negative lens. But that’s where many Black children lived. That’s where families were working hard to build better futures. And that’s where I felt called to begin.
I was new to the golf world. I didn’t have connections, or any money. But after praying about how to make the program succeed, I picked up the phone and called Hampton Cove, asking to speak to the head golf professional.
Steve Mack answered the phone.
I explained what I was trying to do — introduce children from the housing community to the game of golf, to expose them to new opportunities and a different environment. Without hesitation, Steve said, “I’ll help you.”
That response meant more than he probably knew.
Steve had just moved to Alabama from Nebraska in 2000. He didn’t know me. He didn’t know the kids. But he showed up. At the Calvary Hill Community Center, about 25 young people gathered. Most had never touched a golf club. Some had only heard the name Tiger Woods. But that day, they were introduced to a game that had rarely been introduced to them.
As the program grew, I learned about the First Tee. After doing my research, I connected with Dr. Michael Cooper, known to many as Coop, and began the process of applying for a First Tee chapter. However, using local sporting fields and the municipal course would not qualify under First Tee’s requirements.
Once again, Steve stepped forward.
Hampton Cove features two 18-hole championship courses, an 18-hole Par 3 course, a driving range, and putting greens. Steve allowed our participants to use the driving range and putting greens and to play the Par 3 course. To secure the First Tee chapter, we needed a formal use agreement. Steve not only approved the agreement — he had his team build us our own dedicated driving range space on the property.
That kind of support changes lives.
After Steve retired from SunBelt Golf Corporation, I asked him to join the board of Par Excellence Youth Development (PEYD), where I serve as Executive Director. If it were not for the sincere kindness, leadership, and courage of Steve Mack, hundreds of Black youths in our community might never have been introduced to the game of golf. They might never have experienced the confidence, discipline, etiquette, scholarship pathways, and life skills that the game can teach.
Black History Month is about honoring resilience, struggle, and achievement. But it is also about recognizing partnerships. It is about acknowledging those who use their influence and position to open doors for others.
Steve Mack opened doors. And because he did, generations of young people walked through them.
