click above logo to order copy
|
Black Athletes Perform While
Division I Colleges and Universities Cash In
The book — “NCAA — National Collegiate Affirmative Action” provides statistical evidence and integrates author Bubbha Thomas’ passion for excellence to address a very serious issue in America today. In every Division I college and universitiy sports program operating under National Collegiate Athletic Association guidelines, there are a disproportionate number of Black athletes attending these institutions of higher learning. The message is clear: “Black athletes are more than welcome to attend college, even though admission policies for some are lowered. In return, Division I colleges and universities receive millions of dollars from sporting events. In the process, Historically Black Colleges and Universities are left in a vacuum, which puts most of them in the position of not being able to compete for talented athletes graduating from high school.” Thomas has embraced this highly sensitive issue with the same energy and determination that has propelled him into the national spotlight as an artist and community activist during the last thirty plus years. He does not agree with the admission policies currently in place. In addition, he has committed himself to vocally supporting and seeing appropriate changes be made towards ending a form of economical slavery.
In his book “NCAA — National Collegiate Affirmative Action,” Bubbha Thomas provides ten years of thought provoking work. He consistently highlights what he believes to be an unfair practice in allowing lowered collegiate admission procedures for Black athletes. “Back door treatment” is the expression Bubbha uses to identify current admission policies that basically discriminates against students who enter college under normal conditions. Talented athletes possessing outstanding sports abilities often receive preferential treatment over their fellow classmates. Those aspiring to career choices not relating to sports such as law, science, technology, the arts and business scramble to gain entry to their chosen institution of higher learning. Duly noted are the number of students who do not produce revenue for Division I schools, as one can see the percentages are quite high across the board. In contrast, thousands of non-white students and alumni cheer talented Black athletes on as they perform and entertain.
As one examines the premise of 'NCAA — National Collegiate Affirmative Action,' Bubbha Thomas states: "Some of the responsibility allowing these policies to exist also lies within the Black community. As a culture, they should ensure that their talented gladiators receive opportunities to showcase their athletic prowess, but they should also demand that they receive a quality education as well. Educational compensation is a small price to pay for Black athletic service, when compared to the millions of dollars Division I colleges and universities receive annually. In spite of what is done on the playing field, student athletes should be just as successful after their collegiate days are over." There lies an enormous amount of talent amongst athletes that Division I schools capitalize on every year. To correct this situation, a paradigm shift in societal thinking needs to happen. The result would create dialogue and solutions in the community between educators, legislatures and churches.
|
|
|
