HBCU’s – Taking the Lead

Tennessee State’s – Brian Collins Speaks Out

(St. Louis, MO) – HBCU’s have been in the news lately. They’ve been in the basketball headlines and they have been a part of the geopolitical conversation. Tennessee State is a ‘Historically Black College and University’ and is helping shape the national conversation. Penny Collins believes HBCU’s can be taking the lead.

The Ohio Valley’s TSU Tigers basketball team is coached by Brian ‘Penny’ Collins. During the early onset of a national epidemic, an African American man, George Floyd was killed on the streets of Minneapolis. The video of that arrest and the taking of Floyd’s life by a local police officer has sparked national conversations, protests, riots and debates.

HBCU’s have a unique role in these racially charged times. Coach Collins is African American and believes he and his university have a responsibility to speak, act and lead during these unique times.  Collins is beginning his third season at the Nashville-based university. He is taking the lead. The former Belmont star draws on his own experiences and understanding to attempt to train his players and help shape these important conversations.

TSU Taking the Lead

Floyd’s tragic death has sparked international protests and conversations. Collins is optimistic that schools like Tennessee State can play an important role. He hopes this can be an historic moment of change.

 

 

Collins is proud of his university and its surrounding community. The 36-year-old Collins says Nashville has been progressive in its approach to dealing with the covid-19 pandemic and what he calls ‘the racial disease’.

 

 

Collins’ Role & Why He Is Encouraged

As a Division 1 head basketball coach, Collins has a huge responsibility to help his players navigate these controversial times. While his job is to win games and graduate players, he also takes his mentoring role very seriously. Collins says ‘listening’ is a key ingredient.

 

 

While George Floyd’s death was tragic, at the same time, Collins is encouraged by what he sees. He says the diverse nature and age of the protesters gives him hope. A mobilized, younger generation helps Collins believe that true and meaningful change is on the way.

 

 

Racial inequality is a large problem in our nation, but a younger generation is taking the lead.

 

The Need of Police Reform AND Police Support

Police reforms are needed. Collins believes increased training concerning intense situations would help local police officers. Their jobs are extremely difficult and they need more support. The Nashville native told us about his own brush with ‘profiling’. That story and our complete interview with coach Collins can be found here.

While Collins believes reforms are needed, at the same time he understands there are a great number of outstanding and caring police officers.

 

 

Collins has been effective taking the lead of the TSU basketball program. The Tigers doubled their win total from nine during his first season and 18 last year. Now he and other coaches are taking the lead in this vital conversation on racial inequality and police brutality.

During Part Two of our interview with coach Collins we’ll discuss the basketball side of the TSU Tigers.

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