5:33 am | February 28, 2019 | Go to Source | Author:
The Big 12 Conference and the Rhoden Fellowship Initiative have extended their relationship into the 2018-19 academic year to include the 2019 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship.
Four Rhoden Fellows, Janaé Adams, Allana Barefield, Deja Harrison and Tucker Toole will work with Big 12 staff on digital content, media operations and media coverage for the Championship, to be held March 8 through March 11 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
“I could not be more pleased about the continuation of this relationship with the Rhoden Fellowship program, and the opportunity it provides to impact the lives of young people in a meaningful way,” said Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby. “The opportunity to serve in a hands-on role at our major events provides these aspiring students with a career-enriching experience.”
The relationship began in 2017-18 when Rhoden Fellows helped staff Big 12 Men’s Basketball Media Day and the Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Championship, both in Kansas City’s Sprint Center. Additionally, two Rhoden Fellows assisted the Conference at the 2018 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship.
The Rhoden Fellowship Program, headed by ESPN The Undefeated editor-at-large and former New York Times columnist William C. Rhoden, is a training program for the next generation of sports journalists from historically black colleges and universities. Through the Initiative, Fellows utilize sports as a backdrop and lens to produce relevant, timely and informative stories about culture, race, and class, while also serving as campus correspondents for The Undefeated.
“I’m deeply appreciative to continue this relationship with the Big 12 Conference,” said Rhoden. “This is a career changing opportunity for the Fellows.”
The Rhoden Fellows who will participate at the Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship:
Janaé Adams is a senior mass media arts major at Clark Atlanta University. Originally from the Bay Area, she is a staff writer for “The Panther” and a member of Clark’s softball team.
Allana J. Barefield is a senior mass communication major at Xavier University in Louisiana. The Bostonian is a student representative for the NABJ Sports Task Force, and loves writing feature stories because sports are more than just stats.
Deja Harrison is a sophomore mass communication major from New Orleans. She is a Gramblinite Sports writer and GSU-TV reporter at Grambling State.
Tucker Toole is a junior English major and journalism & sports minor at Morehouse College. This Chicago native serves as sports editor and sports anchor for the “Maroon Tiger” and is a die-hard Chicago sports fan.
Quotes from former Rhoden Fellows who staffed the 2018 Dr Pepper Big 12 Football Championship
Tiffany Hoyd, Howard University Senior
“Seeing behind the curtain of the Big 12 championship was a mind-blowing experience. The commissioner and his team made the experience informative and enjoyable. Bob, Ed, Joni and their partners are a well-oiled machine of incredible professionals and I appreciate their taking the time to involve us in their big day.”
Isaiah George, Morgan State University
“The Big 12 put on an outstanding championship event and I’m grateful that I was able to see it all come together. From the gameday experience to the preparation from the days prior, it was, without a doubt, an experience of a lifetime. I was able to learn so much at the Big 12 championship and I know I can use all of it to enhance my career as a journalist.”
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