Maryland Athletics Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Honors His Legacy

Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have A Dream” speech took place just 33 miles from College Park in 1963, and 63 years later, his tremendous impact still resonates nationwide.

“Dr. King’s vision of community and togetherness is truly embodied within our team,” Maryland women’s lacrosse’s Kennedy Major said. “Regardless of an individual’s background or perspective, we consistently show one another mutual respect. We value each other’s opinions, and I believe those qualities go a long way in building a strong team culture.”

Dr. King fought for inclusion and social justice, inspiring generations and opening doors of opportunity for millions. 

“Dr. King led with conviction, compassion and an unwavering belief in dignity,” Maryland gymnast Logan Buckmon said. “I try to embody that by leading through example, giving 100% every turn, never settling, and holding myself to a high standard while uplifting others. Leadership is not about being the loudest voice; it’s about being genuine, consistent, intentional and rooted in purpose. Being Black is an honor. We come from greatness, and I carry that into every practice, every meet and every moment I get the honor to represent Maryland.”

His powerful words read, “I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” 

Decades later, the impact of his speech and his efforts in the civil-rights movement still resonates powerfully within Maryland Athletics. On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, several Terps reflect on his legacy.

“What I have always taken away from Dr. King’s words and actions is that he was unapologetically himself,” Major said. “He spoke with confidence and without fear of the consequences. I believe that same mindset applies to being part of a team. To make a difference, you must take action and lead with confidence. In our respective sports, you can not make an impact if you are fearful of your matchup or the potential outcome of a game. Dr. King fought relentlessly for what he believed in. He knew what he wanted to accomplish and continued to pursue it until he saw results. As a leader, I strive to act in a similar manner in order to make a difference and help our team grow.”

College Park offers a beautiful, multi-cultural blend of people, backgrounds, and personalities. The Terps embody everyone’s unique gifts and perspectives across their many teams. 

“I joined UMD gymnastics to represent more than just myself,” Buckmon said. “I compete for the girls who don’t see themselves reflected in the sport, for my ancestors who fought for the freedom to be unapologetically Black and for me my family, who has taught me my heritage is a source of beauty and power. Every time I salute the judges, I am honoring that legacy. I know I come from greatness and I move like it.”

MLK’s leaps in the civil rights movement propelled Maryland to make several significant steps in social justice in sports. Later that same year, in 1963, Darryl Hill became the first African-American to play football in the ACC, suiting up for then-head coach Tom Nugent.

A few seasons later, Maryland broke another barrier, creating another opportunity for social justice in sports.

In December of 1965, in a game against Penn State, Billy Jones became the first Black basketball player on scholarship to don a Maryland Terrapins uniform and play in the Atlantic Coast Conference, breaking the color barrier.

Six years after MLK’s speech, Maryland head coach Lefty Driesell hired George Raveling, making him the first Black coach in the history of the Athletic Coast Conference.

Raveling went on to have a tremendously-impactful coaching career at various schools across the country, and he was a major part of uniting Michael Jordan with Nike. 

At Maryland, student-athletes are able to represent something bigger than themselves each and every time they suit up 

“As an athlete at Maryland, I try to represent something bigger than myself by supporting my teammates, giving back to the community, and wearing the jersey with gratitude,” baseball’s Jordan Crosland said.

The inclusion and community that Dr. King helped create is felt across the entirety of Maryland Athletics. 

“In athletics, there are teams, and then there are families,” Major said. “I would consider us a family because of the sense of community our coaches have continuously fostered and the genuine love and support we have for one another, no matter the backgrounds we come from.”

“Dr. King’s leadership reminds me that real leadership is about listening, leading by example, and putting the team before personal recognition,” Crosland said.

Dr. King’s selflessness embodied everything a student-athlete should strive to be as a teammate. 

“Dr. King placed a strong emphasis on serving something bigger than yourself, and I use that as a constant reminder that a game is not won by one individual or one play,” Major said. “It takes the entire team and 60 straight minutes of consistent effort to be successful. Our team understands this and embodies it by putting the program and the university above individual goals. We hold ourselves to the highest standards because that is our responsibility as Maryland athletes. We truly value unity and excellence, and we achieve that by playing for something bigger than ourselves—for one another, not just for individual gain.”

Dr. King helped create a nation where people can be unapologetically themselves, showing who they are to the world each and every day.

“As one of the only multiracial gymnasts on the team, I’ve learned that inclusion isn’t about numbers, it’s about presence,” Buckmon said. “Every day, I show up fully as myself, wearing my curls, my skin, my colorful culture with pride, never attempting to conform or be smaller. That visibility matters. It challenges norms and opens space for those young black girls who want to chase their dreams. Our team grows stronger when we honor each other's backgrounds, and I do my part by leading with authenticity and grace.”

63 years since his famous speech, Dr. King’s legacy continues to inspire, both within Maryland Athletics and across the nation.