Black History Month is embraced as a celebration of African-American pioneers, trailblazers, activists, and influencers who overcame dire odds and obstacles to accomplish great feats and make inroads.
In our CoSIDA organization, we are focusing on the history and significant contributions and impact that African-Americans have made in the athletic communications profession and CoSIDA throughout the years.
As an organization, CoSIDA formed in 1957. We’ve traced the history of CoSIDA leadership throughout the years, and African-American sports information directors have had a direct impact in our organization since 1960.
Notably, there has been at least one African-American member of the CoSIDA Board every year since 1983-84 – for 36 consecutive years.
Two African-Americans have led the organization as CoSIDA President:
Bob Smith, formerly of Rutgers who was president in 1987-88, and current Past President
Rob Knox (Towson University Associate Director, Athletic Communications), who served as the organization's leader during the 2018-19 academic year.
Jessica Poole, current CoSIDA Third-Vice President and Chicago State Senior Associate AD-External Operation and Revenue Generation, will become the third African-American to serve as president in 2022-23, and will also be the sixth woman to hold that leadership position.
Featured in the graphic are 17 African-Americans athletic media professionals who have served in CoSIDA leadership roles, beginning in 1960 with
Ernie Goodman (Howard University) who served on the Board of Directors from 1960-66. In 1960-61, small college representatives were named to the executive committee for the first time, and Howard was one of the first two college division leaders named that year.
April Emory (formerly of Elizabeth City State), was the first black female elected to the CoSIDA board in 2005-06.
Currently serving on the 2019-20 CoSIDA Board are: Knox, Poole and
Denise Thompson, Big Sky Conference Assistant Commissioner/Communications and External Affairs.
There are seven African-American members of the CoSIDA Hall of Fame. They are listed with their year of induction:
Ed Hill, Jr. (Howard), 2018;
Samuel Jefferson, Jr. (Jackson State), 2014;
Charles (Chuck) Prophet (Mississippi Valley State), 2012;
Carol Hudson (Old Dominion), 2010;
William “Bill” Hamilton (South Carolina State), 2009;
Bennie Thomas (Southern- La.), 1988; and
Ernest Goodman (Howard), inducted in the first year of the Hall of Fame - 1969.