SHAQUEM YOUR BEST NEVER COMES EASY Shaquem Griffin, our Black History Month speaker, is a former NFL linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks and has overcome many challenges to achieve greatness, on the football field, and off. Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Shaquem grew into an impressive athlete alongside his twin brother, Shaquill. At the age of 4, however, as a side effect of amniotic band syndrome, Shaquem’s left hand was amputated. Shaquem, however, was not limited by his disability. After a successful high school football career, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Central Florida (UCF) with his brother. After being taken under the wing of UCF coach Scott Frost, Shaquem flourished, earning many accolades his junior and senior years. Shaquem made his presence known at the 2018 NFL scouting combine. He accomplished 20 bench press reps and a 4.38 second 40-yard dash, the fastest of any linebacker at the combine since 2003. Weights were lifted off of Shaquem’s shoulders, both literally and figuratively, and his years of hard work paid off. After breaking records in the pre-draft season, Shaquem was drafted onto the Seattle Seahawks in 2018. He quickly rose to fame as the first NFL player with one hand. Griffin gave five years to the NFL, and now works as a consultant for the NFL Legends community. His work includes helping former NFL players work through the resources and benefits that come with retirement. To our benefit, Shaquem also shares his story with colleges, companies, and to young footballers. He’ll be here on February 13 in the SURC Ballroom to share life lessons and how he made his mark on the industry. Griffin
RESOURCES AND COMMUNITIES FOR BLACK STUDENTS ON CAMPUS: themselves authentically. If you haven’t heard, there is a number of affinity groups at CWU who meet weekly/biweekly and educate their fellow community members on current topics, ideas, and issues in the Black community: Black Student Union The BSU works to educate, celebrate, unify, The Diversity and Equity Center (DEC) provides resources for Black students to feel empowered by their identity and be and share Black/Afro/African cultures. Thursdays • 5 PM • Black Hall 105 African Students Association The ASA aims to promote and share African Culture at CWU. Tuesdays • 5 PM • Black Hall 105 THRIVE THRIVE is an affinity group and empowerment
program for women of color. Mondays • 5 - 6:30 PM and Wednesdays • 12 - 1:15 PM Black Hall 105 Men of Color Affinity Group
MOCA, CWU's newest affinity group, focuses on discussing culture, identities and societal issues for men of color. Wednesdays • 5:30 - 6:30 PM Black Hall 105
Meeting days and times are subject to change. Follow @cwudiversity for updates.
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