Williams, Roundtree Jr. reflect on Black History Month


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Central Michigan senior forward Cecil Williams warms up prior to playing against Western Michigan on Feb. 20 at University Arena.

In the month of February, Black History Month is recognized across the United States of America. 

Central Michigan men’s basketball head coach Keno Davis emphasizes the celebration and recognition of Black History Month in his locker room. 

“I think it’s important for everyone to celebrate Black History Month and to celebrate the achievements we have made with the hopes of achieving more,” Davis said. “I think the initiatives are there and everyone would like to see them be pushed forward.” 

Junior guard Shawn Roundtree Jr. grew up in an African-American home in Edwardsville, Illinois and has looked to Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X for inspiration. 

“It’s definitely a big month,” Roundtree said. “It’s a time to reflect on black history. Not only for what people have done for blacks but the entire United States and the world as well. It’s a great celebration and a great time to reflect on those who have come before and the path they laid out for me.”

Along with Roundtree, senior guard Cecil Williams has taken a lot of time to focus on Black History Month, especially the work of King and Rosa Parks. 

“I look up to Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks for sure,” Williams said. “They paved the way and stood for what they were trying to fight for. I’m very thankful for them.” 

In Roundtree’s household in Illinois, Black History Month is “a big time.” He tries to attend Black History Month events even though February is in the heat of the basketball season. 

“I think it’s very important to recognize the strides we have made and the strides we are trying to continue to make toward equality,” Williams said. 

Roundtree, a 6-foot-0, 185-pound transfer guard, said the nation needs to come together to continue its growth. 

“We have made a lot of progress, but we still have a long way to go,” Roundtree said. “Right now, we can do a lot better with our country as far as race relations and equal right. We need to work together as a nation to grow.” 

Davis, who has coached basketball since 1991, said there is discrimination even with basketball coaches and administrations. He wants that to end, once and for all. 

“I’ve seen growth, but not as quickly as many of us would have liked,” Davis said. “The thing I see in the profession (of basketball) is the coaches and administration. I want equal opportunity. I want the best man or best woman to get the job and not be dependent on anything outside of who is qualified and deserving.

“We need to make bigger and faster steps toward that.” 

For Roundtree, he would not be on the court without black history, saying, “It’s the reason I’m out here playing basketball right now.” 

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