Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute

On October 17, 1969, fourteen Black University of Wyoming football players were dismissed from the UW football team for wanting to ask the question if they could stand up against racial injustice together. They became known as the Black 14. Nearly 50 years later, the UW issued an official apology. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion played a significant role in making this happen. 

On Giving Day, we ask that you help continue their legacy by contributing to an endowment to honor the Black 14’s promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice by creating a program for Black high school students to attend the University of Wyoming.  

The Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute is a weeklong program that provides Black high school students with the opportunity to research contemporary issues related to and important to the Black community at the local, state, national, and international levels. It also introduces them to curricular and co-curricular engagement opportunities and UW mentoring and support while they are still in high school. At the same time, the institute strives to have a positive impact on the college completion rate of Black students. The six-year college completion rate for Black students is 38 percent, while nationally 54.8 percent of all college students complete college within six years.

The first Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute was offered during the summer of 2022. Three members of the Black 14 joined in person and two joined virtually to meet the students and share their experiences. Participants had the opportunity to explore UW’s campus and the Laramie community, such as visiting local establishments and touring various academic facilities. It was a powerful and meaningful opportunity for high school students to hear directly from the Black 14 members. One participant said, "I think this was amazing and I loved getting to be part of the very first run.”  Another participant said, “It was great to meet new people and see what college could possibly be like.”  

Our hope is to build off the success of this past year. Support will have a direct impact upon so many students now, and for years to come.  Thank you for considering supporting the Black 14 Social Justice Summer Institute!