First published in 1960, this revised edition of the book is Richard B. Moore’s comprehensive study of the use and definition of the word negro. Moore was a Caribbean and dedicated Pan-African activist.
Available on Amazon.com
January 18, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
The 22nd Annual L.O.V.E. Golftech Connection Invitational Golf Tournament garnered another successful event from October 30 to November 1, 2020, albeit this year without the presence of its formidable Founder, Vernon Echols, who passed away on December 6, 2019. The event took place at LPGA International courses – Jones and Hills in Daytona Beach, Fla., Quest Diagnostics was the Presenting Sponsor.
“In honor of my father’s legacy, we have decided to rename the tournament to the Vernon Echols Memorial Classic,” said daughter Sherri Echols-Hood. “The organization’s name will still be L.O.V.E. Golftech”.
The L.O.V.E. (Little Ole’ Vernon Echols) Golftech Tournament began in 1998 when tournament founder, Vernon L. Echols, wanted a way to give back to his community. Vernon Lee Echols was one of nine children born to Mr. and Mrs. James and Leola Echols of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a long-time resident of Englewood, NJ, before retiring to Daytona Beach, FL.
With a long history of civic engagement and sports enthusiasm, Echols decided that hosting a charity tournament at the LPGA International Golf Course in Daytona Beach would be a great opportunity. The first L.O.V.E. Golftech Invitational Tournament had 32 players.
Players at the 22nd annual tournament had a grand time mixing and mingling, strokin’ and swingin’, with the top prizes going to golfers who truly earned their keep.
View the 22nd Annual Tournament Scores HERE
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: L.O.V.E. Tournament Founder Vernon Echols Celebrates 90th Birthday
ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (January 18, 2021) − First Tee, a youth development organization that helps kids and teens build their strength of character through golf, will host the First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, July 20-24, 2021. First Tee teens attending this five-day learning and empowerment academy will participate in critical conversations around issues of identity, racism, equity and empathy.
The event will feature engaging and interactive workshops facilitated by RISE, a national nonprofit and leader in the sports community championing social justice and working to improve race relations. The workshops will be paired with introspective activities and reflections led by our nationally trained First Tee coaches and keynote speakers from the sports industry including Philadelphia native and PGA TOUR Chief Legal Officer, Len Brown. First Tee – Greater Philadelphia will host the teens for golf outings at John F. Byrne Golf Course where they will continue to build upon their connections with other participants from around the country and hear different perspectives from their peers. The Academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in Philadelphia.
“The events of 2020 have reinforced the need for dialogue and to provide a platform for our teens to explore critical topics like diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Greg McLaughlin, First Tee CEO. “Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., has always been an advocate for social justice and I’m proud to carry forward his passion through an event that will empower our participants to be game changers in their community.”
This Academy is an evolution of our longest standing participant event, the Life Skills Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. The enhanced event addresses the challenges our teens face in their daily lives and better equips them to build the strength of character to be game changers in their communities. The Academy honors First Tee’s former CEO, Joe Louis Barrow, Jr., who led the organization from 2000 until his retirement in 2017.
“First Tee has and always will be a program that encourages personal growth and life skill development that young people can take with them wherever they go,” said Barrow. “I’m grateful to be associated with an event that will serve as an important platform for critical conversations on the subject of racial equity. I believe it will have a significant impact on the young people who attend, and ultimately their families and communities.”
First Tee Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr. is one of several national opportunities provided by First Tee headquarters designed to inspire and encourage high school students on a deeper level as they progress through the program and toward higher education opportunities. Ninety-six First Tee teens will be selected for this event via an application process that opens Feb. 9.
VIEW VIDEO
First Tee is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. These character education programs are offered at golf courses, schools and youth centers in all 50 states and six international locations.
For more information on First Tee, visit www.firsttee.org.
About PGA TOUR First Tee Foundation (“First Tee”)
First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization that is supported by the PGA TOUR. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. Since its inception in 1997, First Tee has expanded to reach more than 3.6 million young people annually through its chapter network, in schools and at youth centers. Headquartered in Ponte Vedra, Florida, USA, programs are delivered in all 50 United States and select international locations. President George W. Bush serves as Honorary Chair.
(January 18, 2021)
Author: King, Martin Luther, Jr. (Southern Christian Leadership Conference)
Date: August 28, 1963
Location: Washington, D.C.
On this iconic day, the editors at African American Golfer’s Digest wish to share one of the most phenomenal speeches made by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Sometimes referred to as MLK Day, this day is recognized as a federal holiday in the United States, marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. The holiday is observed on the third Monday of January each year. Dr. King’s birthday is January 15.
January 16, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
photos by Ali Palma
After stepping away from golf for several years to rethink her life strategy, Shasta Averyhardt is fighting to reclaim a spot on the LPGA Tour. In October 2020, the 35-year-old received a recent phone call that would be remembered forever, the presenting sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, had selected the Flint, Michigan native along with Emilia Migliaccio (Cary, NC) to receive sponsor exemptions to compete. Things were heading back in the right direction for Averyhardt.
When Averyhardt headed into her very first LPGA season in 2009, she recalled during a Symetra Tour interview, “To be honest, I felt like I needed to represent a lot of people. I was following in the footsteps of Althea Gibson, Renee Powell and LaRee Sugg and needed to step up my game.”
Averyhardt stepped right into those big footsteps as the first African American golfer on the LPGA Tour since 2001 when she qualified in 2010 for the 2011 tour. The 6’1″ multi-racial golfer is the child of a Latina mother and Black father. Both parents have continuously supported her professional golfing ambitions since she took up the game at the tender age of seven, gifted with a pink set of golf clubs from her dad.
One of just a handful of Black women to tee off in the LPGA, her talents and appeal among women who enjoy the game are phenomenal.
Determined to ‘give back’ and open doors for others in her community the Jackson State graduate (attending on a full athletic scholarship) recorded nine wins in collegiate competition, serves as an ambassador for Women of Color Golf, a not-for-profit group that promotes minority women’s and girls’ involvement in the sport. Averyhardt also mentors young minority girls who aspire to play golf in college, professionally, and/or work in the golf industry.
Sporadically throughout the year, “I donate my gently used golf clothing, equipment, training aids., etc., to junior programs that have a minority demographic such as an organization called A Perfect Swing founded by Ashaunta Epps. Her dedication and work with the junior golfers is unmatched, and I like to help them when I can,” says Averyhardt.
Over the years, Averyhardt has received support from organizations and individuals who have aided in her achievements. The Orlando-based Black women’s golf club Sisters Across America helped her to get on the LPGA tour by covering some of the enormous expenses such as entry fees, travel, equipment, and other necessities that aspiring pros incur.
An animal lover, Averyhardt supports organizations that benefit the welfare of exploited animals and contributes monetarily. “I have a soft spot for animals and to see organizations that express love and care to creatures that are voiceless is special.” With her kind heart and strong ambitions, Averyhardt’s fans are cheering her on.
January 16, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
Luxury fashion company Ralph Lauren says it has discontinued its sponsorship of World No.3 professional golfer Justin Thomas after he used a homophobic slur during the Tournament of Champions.
Thomas was overheard uttering an offensive word after missing a putt at Kapalua, which he apologized for and said doesn’t reflect who he is.
Afterward, several of Thomas’ long-term sponsors dropped him from their ranks. Since turning pro in 2013 the American golfer has been a paid brand ambassador for several distinct consumer product lines.
“We are disheartened by Mr. Thomas’s recent language, which is entirely inconsistent with our values,” a Ralph Lauren statement said.
“While we acknowledge that he has apologized and recognizes the severity of his words, he is a paid ambassador of our brand and his actions conflict with the inclusive culture that we strive to uphold.
“In reflecting on the responsibility we have to all of our stakeholders, we have decided to discontinue our sponsorship of Mr. Thomas at this time.
“As we make this decision, our hope is that Mr. Thomas does the hard and necessary work in order to partner with us again – truly examining this incident, learning, growing and ultimately using his platform to promote inclusion.”
As of this time, Thomas is yet to release a statement.
“There’s just no excuse. I’m an adult, I’m a grown man. There’s absolutely no reason for me to say anything like that. It’s terrible,” Thomas told the Golf Channel after the incident.
“I’m extremely embarrassed. It’s not who I am. It’s not the kind of person that I am. But unfortunately I did it and I have to own up to it and I’m very apologetic.
“Like I said, it’s inexcusable. I’m speechless. It’s bad. There’s no other way to put it.
“I need to do better. I need to be better. It’s definitely a learning experience. I deeply apologise to everybody and anybody who I offended and I’ll be better because of it.”
Related: Two-time Major winner Angel Cabrera arrested in Brazil
CLICK HERE TO VIEW
January 16, 2021
Stations Airing “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show” [AFFILIATES]
Albany GA WMRZ-FM 98.1
Atlanta GA WHTA-FM 107.9
Augusta GA WFXA-FM 103.1
Augusta GA WAKB-FM 100.9
Baltimore WWIN-FM 95.9
Baton Rouge LA KQXL-FM 106.5
Birmingham AL WBHK-FM 98.7
Charleston SC WWWZ-FM 93.3
Charlotte SC WOSF-FM 105.3
Chattanooga TN WMPZ-FM 93.5
Chicago IL WSRB-FM 106.3
Cincinnati OH WOSL-FM 100.3
Cleveland MS WCLD-FM 103.9
Cleveland OH WZAK-FM 93.1
Columbia SC WDEK-AM 1170 & 97.9 FM
Columbus GA WRLD-FM 95.3
Columbus OH WXMG-FM 95.5
Dallas-Ft. Worth KZMJ-FM 94.5
Des Moines IA KJMC-FM 89.3
Detroit MI WDMK-FM 105.9
Durham/Raleigh NC WFXC-FM 107.1
Elizabeth NC WFMZ-FM 96.7
Fayetteville NC WCCG-FM 104.5
Flint MI WDZZ-FM 92.7
Forest City AR KAKJ-FM 105.3
Gainesville FL WDVH-AM 980
Grand Rapids MI WNWZ-AM & 104.9 FM
Greenville SC WJMZ-FM 107.3
Greenwood-Greenville MS WGNL-FM 104.3
Hertford NC WFMZ-FM 104.9
Houston TX KMJQ-FM 102.1
Huntsville AL WEUP-FM 103.1
Huntsville AL WEUZ-FM 92.1
Indianapolis IN WTLC-FM 106.7 M
Jackson MS WRBJ-FM 97.7
Jackson TN WFKX-FM 95.7
Jacksonville FL WOKV-F2 99.5
Kansas City MO KPRS-F2 103.3
Lawton OK KXCA-AM/FX 1050/93.7
Little Rock AR KOKY-FM 102.1
Louisville KY WRKA-FM 103.9
Macon GA WRBV-FM 101.7
Friars Point MS WNEV-FM 98.7
Memphis TN WMSO-AM 1240 & 104.1 FM
W. Helena AR KCLT-FM 104.9
Meridian MS WZKS-FM 104.1
Miami FL WHQT-FM 105.1
Montgomery AL WJWZ-FM 97.9
Houma LA KJIN-AM 1490
New Orleans LA WWWL-AM 1350 & 92.9 FM
Oklahoma City OK KRMP-AM 1140 & 92.1
Orlando FL WCFB-FM 94.5
Petersburg/Richmond VA WKJM-FM 99.3
Portland OR KBMS-AM 1480
Port St. Lucie FL WFLM-FM 104.5
Raleigh NC WFXK-FM 104.3
Richmond VA WKJS-FM 105.7
Savannah GA WEAS-FM 93.1
Seattle WA KYIZ-AM 1620
Selma AL WJAM-AM 1340 & 96.3 FM
Shreveport LA KBTT-FM 103.7
St Louis MO WFUN-FM 95.5
Toledo OH WIMX-FM 95.7
Tulsa OK KGTO-AM 1050 & 99.1 FM
Tyler TX KISX-FM 107.3
Wilmington DE WVJJ-AM 1510 & 96.9 FM
January 15, 2021 | (MailOnline.com)
Former Masters and US Open winner Angel Cabrera, 51, is arrested in Brazil and faces extradition home to Argentina charged with assault, theft and intimidation after complaints from his ex-wife and another woman, according to MailOnline.
Brazil’s federal police have arrested the Argentinian golfer for extradition to his homeland to face charges for several crimes, officers said.
Cabrera, who won the Masters in 2009 and US Open championship two years earlier, had been on Interpol’s red code list.
Police said in a statement that an arrest was made in an upper class area of Rio de Janeiro, without announcing the suspect’s name. It described him only as a 51-year-old Argentine.
The statement said that officials in Argentina have charged a suspect with assault, theft, illegal intimidation and repeated disrespect to authorities between 2016 and last year.
Argentinian media reported earlier in January that Cabrera’s former wife, Silva Rivadero, had filed two charges against the golfer.
The reports also said that Cecilia Torres, another former partner, claimed Cabrera had punched her, threatened her and attempted to run her over with his car in 2016.
The 51-year-old then won the Masters in a playoff in 2009 and lost in a playoff in 2013 to Adam Scott.
Cabrera has one other PGA Tour victory, and his four European Tour wins include its biggest event, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
He did not play in the Masters when it moved to November last year because of surgery on his left wrist.
Cabrera played five times in August and September on the PGA Tour Champions circuit for over-50s players.
January 14, 2021 (Reuters)
The Pebble Beach Pro-Am will be played next month without the traditional pro-am part of the tournament, the PGA Tour announced Thursday.
The decision was made because of the spike of COVID-19 cases within California. It already had been announced that the Feb. 11-14 tournament would be played without spectators on the course.
“This was a very difficult decision, but the right one given the recent surge in COVID-19 cases,” said Bill Perocchi, chief executive officer of the Pebble Beach Co. “Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have put the health and safety of our guests, employees and community first.”
The multi-day pro-am is an annual highlight of the Pebble Beach stop and has featured athletes, entertainers, politicians and other celebrities through the years. The 2020 event included Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers; actors Ray Romano and Bill Murray; hockey great Wayne Gretzky; and Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state.
Past competitors included entertainer Bob Hope, presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush, Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood and baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.
“The AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am’s lineup of celebrities competing with the PGA TOUR’s best players with the Monterey Peninsula as the backdrop has been a perfect marriage of sports and entertainment since 1947,” said Tyler Dennis, president of the PGA Tour. “We feel strongly this decision, while difficult, was the right call to make given the current environment.”
January 14, 2021
“The Intersection of Culture and the Lifestyle of Golf.”
Podcast to Examine Golf from Different Perspectives with In-Depth Interviews with Celebrities, Athletes and Golf Influencers
Debut Episode to Feature Two-Time NBA Champion Ray Allen; Don Cheadle, Larry Fitzgerald, Kyle Lowry and Cedric The Entertainer Slated to Appear
STAMFORD, Conn. – NBC Sports has launched Beyond The Fairway, a new podcast hosted by professional golfers Doug Smith and Will Lowery, aimed at examining golf from different perspectives through interviews with celebrities, athletes and golf influencers and expanding the reach of the game.
Basketball Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion Ray Allen will be the first guest on Beyond The Fairway, which will debut on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Click BELOW to listen to a preview of Beyond The Fairway, which is available now across major podcast platforms.
Additional guests slated to appear on Beyond The Fairway in the coming weeks and months include actors Don Cheadle and Cedric The Entertainer, Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, and Toronto Raptors PG Kyle Lowry.
-NBC SPORTS-
“We want Beyond The Fairway to be the intersection of culture and the lifestyle of golf,” said Smith. “Let’s dive into why people love this game so much. Why do we do such crazy things to chase a little white ball around grass? What drives our obsession and passion for this game? And never before have two black men been opposite each other to talk golf like this. It shows how NBC Sports and GOLF Channel are actually doing something to help diversify the golf landscape.”
“We’re going to be talking golf from a different clubhouse,” said Lowery. “Beyond The Fairway is going to have a relaxed atmosphere and welcome all golfers, opening the door to the casual golfer who might not care about greens-in-regulation statistics on the PGA TOUR. We’re not afraid of going out-of-bounds with conversations – and we might not make may holes-in-one either – but you’ve got two individuals whom are from the rough to guide you through the experience.”
Lowery was a cast member on GOLF Channel’s hit reality series, “The Big Break,” and appeared on both “Big Break Indian Wells” and “Big Break NFL: Puerto Rico.” He currently competes on the SwingThought Tour and Advocates Pro Golf Tour, has several top-10 finishes and two victories on the mini-tour circuit, and advocates for minorities through production and content creation in the entertainment space.
Smith played collegiate golf at Florida A&M University and the University of Louisville, was the first African-American to play golf at Louisville and won the 2005 PGA National Minority Collegiate Championship during his time as a Cardinal.
Beyond the Fairway will be available for download on all major podcast platforms, including: NBCSports.com/podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn and iHeart.
Video clips of Beyond The Fairway will be posted on GOLFChannel.com as well as the GOLF Channel YouTube page. Beyond The Fairway joins NBC Sports’ slate of podcasts spanning the NFL, the NHL, NASCAR and other motorsports, MLB, the NBA, rugby, and more.
January 14, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
The Big Apple, New York City, is biting back at Trump by ending three of its contacts related to running entertainment venues for the Trump Organization, including the Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point.
New York City’s mayor’s office announced the decision on Wednesday morning. The contract terminations follow the January 6 storming of the United States White House Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump during a joint session of Congress to formalize President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory. The riot resulted in the death of five people, including a Capitol Police office Brian D. Sicknick. The NYC deal specifically cites a contractual issue: the failure to lure major events (it’s not clear if that means majors or just significant tournaments.)
“The city of New York will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio in a statement, “and we are immediately taking steps to terminate all Trump Organization contracts.”
Designed by Jack Nicklaus‘ company, and opened in 2015, the course is located in the Bronx and was built on a former landfill, sitting beneath the Whitestone Bridge at a cost of $127 million. Golfers who play there are in awe of the amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.
A statement from the mayor’s office on Wednesday noted “in its contract with the Trump Organization to run Ferry Point golf course, the city called for a championship-level golf course that would attract major championship events.” However, the well-received course has never reached its goal to serve as host for any high-profile tournament. The venue was also highly criticized for the enormous green fees it charged New York residents, $185 on the weekends despite its municipal ties.
Yet, there are other Trump Organization deals on the table for New York City and in just 30-days the mayor’s office is slated to close contracts on a carousel and ice rink for the City. The mayor’s office said “the process for terminating the Ferry Point golf course is more detailed and is expected to take a number of months.”
Coming to his father’s defense, Eric Trump, son of President Trump and executive vice president of the Trump Organization, has challenged the city’s decision and released the following statement to New York media outlets.
“Yet another example of Mayor de Blasio’s blatant disregard for the facts. The City of New York has no legal right to end our contracts and if they elect to proceed, they will owe The Trump Organization over $30 million,” the statement said. “This is nothing more than political discrimination, an attempt to infringe on the first amendment and we plan to fight vigorously.”
In another turn of events for Trump, Sunday, the PGA of America announced it will move its 2022 PGA Championship from Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, N.J. Afterward, on the very next day, the R&A announced it has no plans for holding any of its championships at Trump Turnberry and will not do so for the foreseeable future.
January 14, 2021
BY AAGD STAFF
With the announcement made last week by LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan that he will be stepping down from his position, the top executive spot would be an ideal opportunity for the organization to showcase its aim for more diversity and inclusion by appointing an African American woman to its executive ranks.
While rumors circulate surrounding this C-suite opportunity, Diane Gulyas, Chair of the LPGA Board of Directors, has sent a letter to players and members of the circuit detailing the succession process which will take place in the coming months. The 8 member Board of the Daytona Beach, Florida-based organization is made up of several female green legends such as Juli Inkster (in the World Golf Hall of Fame). And again: the veteran Alena Sharp and, representing the players, Michelle Wie.
Apparently, the LPGA was very satisfied with the job Whan was doing for the organization because his initial term, defined as four years, became extended and he served 11 years, making him the longest-serving LPGA Commissioner. For the LPGA to continue to provide opportunities for women in being one of the longest-running women’s professional sports associations in the world, the appointment of a Black woman to its top executive job would make a strong, public statement about their sincerity and practice of exercising diversity and inclusion.
Regarding Whan’s decision to leave his post he said, “You may be wondering why I’ve made the decision to step down – and why now? In many ways, this past year – with all the pandemic challenges – was also the LPGA’s most triumphant. We are entering 2021 on a wave of momentum – a strong schedule with record purses, new events/sponsors, double-digit viewership growth, and a talented team that demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience and capability to lead through challenging times”
What Black Woman Could the LPGA Consider for Commissioner?
Just what Black woman could the LPGA consider as it’s new Commissioner to help it soar to greater heights during these challenging times? Readers of AAGD chimed in with us on their thoughts and suggestions:
“Condoleezza Rice and Katrina Adams. Both strong women who know golf and are accomplished in leadership. Not sure what their level of interest would be but they are worthy of consideration. They both are avid golfers and are heavily involved in sports and golf and would know how to navigate the industry which is extremely important,” said Wendell Haskins, former PGA of America Senior Director of Diversity & Multicultural Initiatives.” Condoleezza might have interest because it was rumored that she has interest in being a sports commissioner, albeit football, and Katrina has had great success in tennis and would follow in the legacy of Althea Gibson by directing her focus to golf at the highest level.”
“If I could nominate a candidate to replace Mike Whan, it would be Laree Sugg, Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Women Administrator. Laree (with over 20 years of experience working in athletics) embodies both the business and player experience that can engage members as well as business partners to build on the LPGA’s current success. I think she would bring the best of both those worlds to the position,” suggests Patrina King, founder, Golf Women Mean Business.
“I would say that Renee Powell. She has been very supportive of diversity for persons of color and women in golf. She is also an owner of a course and that may be an important move. If not her, perhaps another Black woman golf course owner, such as Sheila Johnson of Innisbrook Golf Resort or Jamy Rankin, co-owner of River Forest Golf Course in Freeport, Penn., an experienced executive in business management and operations,” says Myneca Ojo, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Former Mayor of Hanover Borough, PA, Civil Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Social Inclusion.
LPGA Professional, Fore Life, Inc. Founder & Executive Director Paula Pearson Tucker shines the light on industry professional Ashaunta Epps, Class A – LPGA Golf Professional who is also CEO & Founder at A Perfect Swing Golf and, most recently, elected President for LPGA’s Southeast Section —only the 2nd Black in the 44-year history of the LPGA. Pearson Tucker also likes V. Lynn Whitfied, Esq., an experienced trial lawyer and member of the Florida (State) Bar.
“Mike Whan was a phenomenal leader. In regard to who can take the baton and take the LPGA to the next level, I don’t know, but whomever it is they should have a strong marketing and financial background,” says Donna Richardson, wellness speaker and coach who has served under President Bush and President Obama on the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Pamela Pickens, Chief Intelligence Officer at UrbanAdserve says, “After reading about what happened to Wendell Haskins at the PGA, it’s questionable on exactly what the temp or the environment in golf is.
“I would love to see Katrina Adams in this role. She’s an avid golfer and immediate past President Chairperson and CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). She’s a leader and would be terrific leading the LPGA,” says Cheryl Gentry, CEO/Founder, Glow Global Events.
“Katina Adams is one who comes to mind. She did an excellent job leading the USTA,” says Mark Lowry, President at VOS Management and Consulting Solutions LLC. “Her skills in leading a major sports organization (tennis) would be transferable to running a major golf organization like the LPGA.”
“I wish that there was a long list of ladies that I know who could come in and do a good global leadership job as Mike has,” says Oneda Castillo, Global Education Instructor at LPGA with over 15-years of LPGA involvement and an African American Golfers Hall of Fame inductee. “Renee Powell because of her global presence and golf experience. And, I am sure that there are other Black women who could do a fine job because of their business experience and negotiation skills.”
So, worthy Black women candidates are out there should the LPGA seriously be looking to showcase Diversity and Inclusion.