Talladega College will soon join Fisk University as the next HBCU with a gymnastics program through a partnership with Brown Girls Do Gymnastics.
On Saturday, Talladega College President Gregory J. Vincent and the Brown Girls Do Gymnastics founder Derrin Moore announced the new partnership at the HBCU Gymnastics Alliance Collaboration in Atlanta.
“This historic moment will have a lasting impact. Establishing a women’s gymnastics team at Talladega College will expand opportunities for HBCU student-athletes to compete in a rewarding sport that fosters discipline, confidence, and success,” said Vincent in a statement.
“Developing our first-ever women’s gymnastics team will also promote student and alumni engagement and pride; enhance the college’s brand; and help create a pipeline of diverse gymnasts.”
– Talladega College President Gregory J. Vincent
“While there are over eighty intercollegiate women’s gymnastics teams in the nation and many gymnastics clubs, Talladega will be one of only two HBCU teams,” added Talladega College Vice President and Athletic Director Michael Grant. “Having a team will give our athletes greater visibility and recognition.”
Brown Girls Do Gymnastics (BGDG), which also has a partnership with Fisk, prides itself on providing more opportunities for black and brown gymnasts to compete. This is in addition to creating awareness surrounding issues such as injury prevention, coaching, recruiting, and judging.
The organization also promotes camaraderie among HBCUs via diverse gymnastics events and activities, including an annual conference.
Talladega College will host the 8th Annual BGDG Conference, which will be held July 18 – 21, 2024.
