Cleveland Power of Sport Summit
By. James C.
Cleveland Power of Sport Summit 22 presented by KeyBank and FirstEnergy was a celebration of diversity and inclusion by demonstrating how sports have been a catalyst for change and a reflection of our society. Held in conjunction with the NBA All Star weekend 22 this weekend-long event featured exhibits to past and present Athletes like Colin Kapernick, Muhammed Ali, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Owens and Lebron James who are champions for change and justice. Local and national organizations who fight for gender equality, racial equality, mental health awareness and LGBTQIA+ rights like the Diversity Center, Carnegie Initiative and the Cleveland Institute of Art were given spotlights during the multi-day event. From public panel discussions, presentations, exhibits, films and activities the powerful history of sports being at the center of change making was put on full display.
The summit was broken down into three categories:
Searching For Solutions presented by Union Home Mortgage
Offers community engagement opportunities that give attendees a new perspective on issues occurring within the local community and how to affect change.
Workshops and presentations hosted by poets, teachers, community organizers, activists and artists that deal with racism, sexism, homophobia and inherent biases within our society.
Seeks to show attendees how sports and athletes are representations of the issues within our society and world
Inspiration Station presented by Cleveland Cavaliers
Hosts keynote speakers, panel discussions, film screenings and more that celebrates the diversity and the abundance of different cultures, religions and races within our world with a central message that we are all human.
Features discussions on mental health for athletes, racial injustice and sexism within the world of sports.
Has representatives from local non profit organizations alongside NBA as well as city and county officials.
Wants attendees to leave with the message of embracing change and inclusion as positive tools against injustice.
Learning Lab Presented by Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine
Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that give attendees a new way to view the world and an understanding of how athletes all throughout history have used their influence to make positive change in society.
Wants attendees to leave understanding that athletes all throughout history have been at the forefront of fighting for and against racial injustice and Equality worldwide.
The Cleveland Power of Sport Summit presented brilliantly outlined how powerful agents for change making a platform like sports can be. As well as giving attendees new perspectives on biases and discriminatory practices that permeate societies worldwide. With a wide variety of exhibits, personnel, athletes and activists the summit was one of the highlight events of All star weekend. Those who attended left with the message that as society diversity and differences should be embraced and when given a platform of great influence use it to create everlasting and positive change.
