Together is better. 

In the context of a team culture, there is never a wrong time to reinforce that message. But there are certainly times when it’s an important time and a right time to reinforce that message. 

This is one of those times. 

There are many black men and women on our teams, on our campus and in our community who have feelings of sorrow, pain, anger, frustration and even simply exhaustion from their on-going experiences related to racism, to injustices and to their inability to feel confident in the promise of our country that “all men are created equal.” 

We are a people who believe we are made better from working, learning and living together.  In this particular moment, Lipscomb Athletics wants our fellow black teammates, co-workers and community members - along with all of our other brothers and sisters of color - to know and to feel that we share in your emotions of pain, anger, frustration and exhaustion. As imperfect people, we don’t always choose the exact right thing to say or to do in the moment. But we also know there are times when saying or doing nothing represents a choice, too, and we reject that choice in this particular moment. 

We see opportunities that we can link arms to work with you and we want to do so. We hear your stories and struggles, and want to continue to listen, so as to help us better understand how to actively support you. We know there are going to be many opportunities after this particular time has passed when we can continue to listen, learn and show active love for one another. We will persist in doing just that. And, most importantly, we believe our community is made better, and certainly much stronger, when, together, we share our various strengths, experiences and, yes, even differences to learn from around the same table.

As a community, we serve a Lord who experienced times when no one would speak on His behalf. So we know He personally understands that pain. And as those who love that same Lord, we pray that we will have the awareness, wisdom and courage to stand up for any and all who need to hear, see and experience the support of those around them, now or in the future.  

This is one of those times. For our black brothers and sisters in particular, your life matters. We love you, we appreciate you, we are here for you and we are here with you. Together.

Because together is better