Doug Elgin and Mike Kern Lead the Charge
(St. Louis, MO) – Courageous Conversations about social inequality, racism and justice are being sparked by the Missouri Valley Conference. The Valley’s social justice initiative #OneValley was launched shortly after the death of George Floyd and is gathering steam.
The league’s multi-pronged approach involves podcasts, voter registration training, reading materials and extensive input from student athletes. Commissioner Doug Elgin and Associate Commissioner Mike Kern are leading the MVC’s efforts. During a recent conversation the two, long time Valley leaders are optimistic about the possible changes coming to America.
Why Take These Steps?
A league steeped in historic steps of fighting racism is taking proactive steps. Elgin says the league is using every available means to influence possible change. Kern describes the wide range of options high-lighting the #OneValley initiative. Both Valley officials stress the importance of involving younger people in the courageous conversations.
We’ve heard in repeated conversations about the importance of ‘listening and learning’. Kern’s desire to learn might be part of the hidden reason for #OneValley. He describes the whole process as eye-opening Elgin says we’re in a key time where real change could take place. Courageous conversations are important, but Elgin says education must lead to action.
While the history of race relations in America are sketchy, Elgin is optimistic that we are in a season of change. He and Kern believe the changing demographics of people involved in the racial reconciliation conversation are key to success. Kern believes the Valley’s ‘baby steps’ can be significant.
Looking Back & Looking Forward
The Missouri Valley Conference has a progressive and rich history of being racially progressive. From 1963’s ‘Game of Change’ in basketball, Cincinnati’s heavily diverse team of the early 60’s and minority hiring in the 1970’s, the Valley has taken a leading role in this issue. (See Marcus Wilson’s narration of these details on the Valley site). Our interview with Marcus leads to both parts of our podcast on race.
Kern outlines the entire initiative while Elgin is happy that the league has been a leader in breaking the color barrier.
The Valley website is filled with information, teaching materials, podcasts and books. Links to resources from the College Sports Information Directors of America are helpful.
While racial inequality is a complicated subject, Kern and Elgin stress that we are in a time of listening and learning. Valley officials are taking responsibility to make positive changes.
Courageous Conversations
ValleyHoopsInsider.com has great respect for the Missouri Valley Conference. In my more than twenty years of covering the league, they have repeatedly shown professionalism, fairness and represent what is great about college basketball.
Click here to listen to my entire conversation with Doug Elgin and Mike Kern.
The #OneValley initiative reaffirms all that we respect about this great conference.
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