UW Athletics department celebrates Black History Month

The UW Athletics Department has created a Web site and new radio commercials by student athletes Janese Banks, Alando Tucker, Paul Hubbard and Chavon Robinson to celebrate Black History Month and to recognize the history of African-American athletes at UW–Madison.

The Web site looks at some of the African-American athletic pioneers at the university. Among those is Julian V. Ware, a power-hitting first baseman, who was one of the first African-American athletes to represent the UW when he played varsity baseball from 1900-1903. He played along with African American teammate Adelbert R. Matthews, who was one of the top pitchers for the Badgers. The duo helped UW capture its first Big Ten baseball championship in 1902.

The site also includes a timeline of prominent African-American student athletes throughout the first half of the 20th century. The site was created by Gregory Bond, a graduate student in American history and part-time employee at the sports information department.

Read details on other campus activities recognizing Black History Month.