GORHAM, Maine –  Seniors Jaequan Grant (East Granby, Conn.), Antoine Grace (Queensbury, N.Y) and Victoria Harris (Altus, Okla./Lewiston), each outstanding student-athlete leaders on University of Southern Maine Huskies' teams and beyond, are representing the University and Huskies' Athletics at the 2021 Northeast Black Student-Athlete Summit hosted by UMass Amherst Athletics in partnership with the New England Patriots, New England Revolution and Together Beat Hate August 30 and August 31. University Associate Vice President for Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact Dr. Idella Glenn, and the Department of Athletics, led by Athletic Director Al Bean, partnered to provide this educational opportunity.

The first of its kind in New England, the Northeast Black Student-Athlete Summit will focus on the experience, needs, and advancement of Black student-athletes through education, professional development, and engagement.  This year's theme is "More Than a #Hashtag" and will cover topics ranging from mental health, identity branding, activism, post-athletics transition, and professional networking.  Keynote speakers include Dr. Leonard Moore, the founder and executive director of the Black Student-Athlete Summit, Dr. Nefertiti Walker, the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the University of Massachusetts, and Dr. Ryan Sutton, the co-chair of the Black Student-Athlete Summit.

 "This is a tremendous opportunity for three of our best on-campus leaders to continue to learn, elevate their voice, and help guide University leadership," said Mike Keller, USM men's soccer coach and NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Representative.  "Both Jaequan and Victoria attended the inaugural Maine Student Athletes of Color meeting last spring, and it was an eye-opening experience for both of them.  Jaequan, Victoria and Antoine possess remarkable leadership ability and they care about improving themselves and the people around them. They are passionate about making the USM community and beyond a more inclusive and diverse environment.  I'm excited for them to take advantage of this opportunity to interact with role models, industry leaders and professionals who reflect their communities, backgrounds and identities. 
With 14 informational sessions available over two days, attendees will hear from industry leaders and professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including Andre Tippett, New England Patriots Hall of Fame inductee, and Executive Director of Community Affairs with Together Beat Hate. 

A member of the Huskies' indoor and outdoor track and field teams, Grant is a member of the Maine Student Athletes of Color (SAOC), and is completing his degree in Cyber Security at Southern Maine.  A Williams B. Wise Scholar Athlete, and Little East Conference All-Academic Team member, Grant ran a leg in the Huskies' 2021 LEC Champion 4x100 relay team this past spring.  

Grace, a two-sport student-athlete, as a member of the Huskies' wrestling and track & field teams, is a Co-Chair of the Huskies' Student-Athlete Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Committee (SADIE).  Majoring in Psychology, Grace was named the 2021 Little East Conference Track Athlete of the Year, and claimed LEC titles in the 100 and 200, and ran a leg on the Huskies' championship 4x100 relay team along with Grant. 
Captain of the women's basketball team, Harris is also a member of the Maine SOAC along with Grant, and is a member of Huskies' SADIE.  A Health Sciences major, Harris earned MWBCA All-State honors during the 2019-2020 season.  Last spring, Harris was presented with the University's Emerging Leader Award, and during the summer she was given an honorable mention citation by the State of Maine for its inaugural John Lewis Youth Leadership Award.