Earlier this month, Black History Month was celebrated at MATC’s men’s and women’s basketball games. The event started with the playing of the Black National Anthem: “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” followed by the Star-Spangled Banner. Throughout the event, the announcer listed several facts about pivotal moments in Black history. You can find a copy of these facts here.
I had the opportunity to briefly interview Arlaysia Braggs, shooting guard #13 for the Stormers, at this event.
Q: What do you think about MATC using these games to recognize Black History Month?
A: I think it’s pretty cool. You don’t play on a lot of teams that do that. In high school, we didn’t get to do that even though we were a predominantly Black school.
Q: What else do you think MATC can do to recognize Black History Month?
A: I don’t know what more they can do; this was really a jump for me in my own opinion. If they just keep coming up with different ideas every year, maybe it will grow.
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a part of the basketball team here at MATC?
A: Everyone makes you feel like you’re a part of something. It’s the energy that everyone brings to the table, not even just the players, but the whole athletic department.
Q: Who is your favorite teammate?
A: #24 June (Aniya Bethea) is my favorite teammate. She knows how to pick the team up when they are down; we just run off her energy.
The energy in the gym was electric as the Stormers women defeated the College of DuPage 60-55. Unfortunately, the men fell just short of matching this outcome with a 94-92 loss. With both victory and defeat in the air, spirits were high, and pride was plentiful as MATC was able to hold its head high and recognize Black History Month.
See some photos from the game in the gallery below.
