Sports for Social Change and Advocacy – Kean University

Union, N.J. (11/12/24) – As part of Human Rights Week at Kean University, the athletics department partnered with the Human Rights Institute for “Sports for Social Change and Advocacy”.

In conjunction with Senior Human Rights Fellow, Ndaba Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, the athletic department conducted a panel with industry professionals, followed by a sports clinic for local youth.

The panelists included Alexa Canas, Manager of Corporate Partnership Activation for the New York Jets, Brooks Meek, Vice President of Basketball Operations for the NBA, Tonilynn Taranto, Community Relations Manager for the New York Red Bulls and Daniel Van Norton, Director of Football Development for the NFL.

Director of Athletics, Kelly Williams, moderated the panel, along with Mandela, touching on topics such as: equity and diversity in sports; opportunities for women in professional sports; athletes’ abilities to use their voices and the benefits of sports in life.

Following the panel, Mandela took part in a clinic, co-sponsored with the Kean KUBS program, offering lacrosse and soccer skill development with local youth from the community.