Curated by Ayo Robinson, granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, FULL CIRCLE is a three-day art exhibition celebrating heritage, legacy, and global connection featuring artworks by Hendrick Lilanga, Joyce Svarvar, and Gedion Nyanhongo. Inspired by the legacy of her grandparents and her East African heritage, Robinson curated selected works that engender a sense of strength, wisdom, and the importance of joy, understanding, and unity in the world.

On view: Friday, Nov 14 – Sunday Nov 16

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Hours

FULL CIRCLE will be on view to the public during the Jackie Robinson Museum’s operating hours between Friday, November 14 (11AM-6PM) and Sunday, November 16 (11AM-5PM).

Admission

Admission to FULL CIRCLE is included with regular Museum admission tickets and free for Museum members.

From the Curator

Curated by Ayo Robinson, granddaughter of Jackie and Rachel Robinson, FULL CIRCLE is a celebration of heritage, legacy, positivity and global connection.

My grandparents Jackie and Rachel Robinson made their impact here in the United States, with values of Grandpa’s famous quote as a cornerstone to their legacies: “Life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” My father, their youngest son David, broadened that impact outside of the U.S. Settling in Tanzania, one of the ways he brought America and East Africa together was through art. Those choices of my grandparents and parents have shaped my life and inspired this exhibition. The combined cultures of my native U.S., and adoptive East Africa, engender a sense of strength, wisdom, and the importance of joy, understanding, and unity in my perception of the world.

FULL CIRCLE presents this journey through the art of three distinct artists: The wisdom of joy in life from Tanzanian Makonde painter Hendrick Lilanga, grandson of renowned painter George Lilanga; the awareness of the beauty all around us from the meditative close ups of African American photographer Joyce Svarvar; the strength and grace from the sculpture of Gedion Nyanhongo, of the Shona tribe, traditional stone carvers of Zimbabwe.

We welcome you to share in this story and secure a piece of art that may be a symbol for you of heritage, legacy, the joy of connection, and positive impact.

Featured Artwork

Le Temps De La Fete by Hendrick Lilanga (2019)

Drafted into the segregated US Army during World War II, 2nd Lieutenant Jack Roosevelt Robinson—then a nationally-recognized UCLA football star—took aim at racial discrimination in Army policies, programs, and facilities. Join our distinguished panelists to explore the significance of this chapter of Robinson’s patriotism and activism in the context of Black military service during World War II and the contemporary experience of Black servicemembers and veterans. Today, African Americans in the military continue to face racial discrimination, including statistically higher rates of court-martials, demonstrating that the need for advocacy for justice is as relevant as ever.

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Event Details

4:30-6:00PM – Museum Open to Ticketholders for Self-guided Exploration

6:00-7:30PM – Panel Discussion

7:30-8:00PM – Reception

Tickets

$25 for Adults

Discounted tickets available for Veterans, Seniors, Students, Visitors with Disabilities, and Museum Members

Groups welcome; contact us at [email protected] for group reservations.

Featured Speakers

Richard Brookshire
Co-CEO and Co-Founder, Black Veterans Project

Richard Brookshire is a multi-hyphenate storyteller, nationally recognized narrative strategist and public speaker. The CEO and co-founder of the Black Veterans Project, his work is advancing reforms to address racial inequities in access to veterans benefits and the case for reparations.

A contributor to TheGrio, The Root and AfroPunk, Richard’s work has been noted by The New York Times, The Washington Post, PBS Newshour, NBC News and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Recognized as ‘One to Watch’ by The Haitian Roundtable in 2017 and named one of Native Son’s 101 ‘Black Gay Men Who Make An Impact’ in 2020, he is the recipient of the 2022 Veterans Justice Award by Senator Richard Blumenthal and the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center.

A former infantry combat medic and U.S. Army veteran of the War in Afghanistan, he holds an MPA in Urban & Social Policy from Columbia University, graduated magna cum laude from Fordham University with a BA in political science and completed the New York Film Academy’s Documentary Filmmaking Conservatory in 2020.

Viviana DeCohen
Commissioner, New York State Department of Veterans’ Services

Reverend Viviana M. DeCohen, a proud United States Marine Corps Veteran, is Commissioner of the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS), which connects over 630,000 Veterans with the benefits, services, and support they have earned. Under Commissioner DeCohen’s leadership, DVS launched innovative outreach programs such as “Operation Find and Serve,” which connects with Veterans in the places and spaces where they live, work, and play; the adoption of 15 Veterans Welcome Center Digital Kiosks across New York State, which were recognized with the prestigious Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award from the Federal VA; and “Operation Baby,” which provides essential resources to those in need, maintaining a dignified, non-social service approach to assisting Veterans and their loved ones.

Before her appointment as Commissioner, DeCohen served as Director of the Mount Vernon Veterans Service Agency, where she founded the inaugural Veterans’ Closet, known as Kristyn’s Closet. This beloved community initiative garnered significant statewide media attention, serving over 3,000 Veterans within ten months, and was prominently featured in Westchester Magazine. Commissioner DeCohen has dedicated her time, talent, and spirit to ensuring that Veterans have reliable access to food, shelter, clothing, education, employment, and motivation. This commitment, compassion, and empathy earned her the affectionate title of “Mama V.”

She is a member of the Women Marines Association, American Legion Post 1038, National Association of Veteran Program Administrators (NAVPA), Student Veterans of America, and a Military Advisor to the Barbara Giordano Foundation and in 2021 was named a Women Veteran Trailblazer honoree by the Center for Women Veterans. Commissioner DeCohen earned her bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Science and a master’s degree in Health Service Management, both from Mercy College, where she established two inaugural Veterans Centers on the Bronx and Dobbs Ferry campuses while working as a Veterans Academic Advisor. Commissioner DeCohen is pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Gerontology at Concordia University, Chicago.

Jeffrey T. Sammons
Professor Emeritus, Department of History, New York University

Jeffrey T. Sammons is professor emeritus of history at New York University. His first book is Beyond the Ring: The Role of Boxing in American Society. He is coauthor, with John H. Morrow, Jr., of Harlem’s Rattlers and the Great War: The Undaunted 369th Regiment and the African American Quest for Equality and recently contributed “‘Fight for the Things for Which We Die’: African Americans and the Great War” to Imagined Fronts: The Great War and Global Media. He was a history adviser to the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and a founding member of its Valor Medal Review Task Force. He also has served on the Medal of Honor Museum’s Scholar Advisory Panel. Sammons is currently a historical consultant to the Memorial Groves Project at Memorial Park Houston–the site of Camp Logan a WWI training facility most well-known for the armed resistance by some members of the 24th Regiment on August 23, 1917, and the tragic events during and after that fateful night. Sammons is the author of a forthcoming essay “Louis Rafael Corbin of Bermuda: Golf Rebel in the African Diaspora” in Oxford Intersections: Racism by Context. He was a recipient of NEH and Schomburg Center research fellowships.

Sponsors

Black Veterans for Social Justice

Join us for a screening and discussion of Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect, a new documentary exploring the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the visionary lawyer and civil rights leader who became the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Drawing from rare archival recordings, personal photographs, and exclusive interviews, the film offers an intimate and timely portrait of a man who reshaped American democracy.

Following the film, join the conversation with featured speakers Cecilia Marshall, Justice Marshall’s granddaughter, and Melissa Murray, Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law, New York University

Event Details

6:15pm – 7:15pm      Film Screening

7:30pm – 8:15pm     Discussion

About the Film

Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect explores the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the visionary lawyer and civil rights leader who became the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Drawing from rare archival recordings, personal photographs, and exclusive interviews, the film offers an intimate and timely portrait of a man who reshaped American democracy. Featuring powerful insights from acclaimed legal scholars and authors—Sherrilyn Ifill, Sheryll Cashin, Wil Haygood, Gilbert King, faculty and administrators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Marshall’s family, the film traces his journey from his formative years at Lincoln University to his groundbreaking legal victories, including Brown v. Board of Education, and his enduring influence on the Supreme Court.

With a combination of oral history, animation, and evocative sound design, Becoming Thurgood brings Marshall’s story to life not as myth, but as a man of action—strategic, courageous, and deeply committed to justice. Through his work, Marshall held the nation accountable to its founding promises and redefined what was possible through the law. At a time when the struggle for civil rights and equal protection under the law remains urgent, Becoming Thurgood invites viewers to reflect on the power of legal activism, the role of HBCUs in shaping social architects, and the legacy of a man who helped move America closer to its highest ideals.

The film marks the latest collaboration between executive producer Nelson and Maryland Public Television, following the 2022 projects Becoming Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom.

Guest Speakers

Cecilia Marshall
Executive Director, Thurgood Marshall Foundation

Cecilia Marshall is the Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, where she leads the family’s efforts to preserve, protect, and promote the legacy of her grandfather, Justice Thurgood Marshall. She stepped into this role after years of leadership in national nonprofits and philanthropy, bringing her experience in fundraising, strategic partnerships, college access and success, and program innovation to steward the Foundation’s mission at a pivotal time.

Her career has centered on expanding opportunity and increasing social mobility. She has held senior positions at Ed Advancement, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and APIA Scholars, where she launched initiatives to improve college access, student success, and long-term impact for underrepresented communities. Earlier in her career, she led global recruitment efforts at the Savannah College of Art and Design and began in corporate advertising in New York City.

Cecilia served on the Board of Directors of the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), the premier legal organization fighting for racial justice which was founded by her grandfather.

Melissa Murray
Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law and Faculty Director, Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Center, NYU Law

Melissa Murray is a leading expert in family law, constitutional law, and reproductive rights and justice. Her award-winning research focuses on the legal regulation of intimate life and encompasses such topics as the regulation of sex and sexuality, marriage and its alternatives, the marriage equality debate, the legal recognition of caregiving and reproductive rights.

A graduate of the University of Virginia, where she was a Jefferson Scholar and an Echols Scholar, and Yale Law School, where she was notes development editor of the Yale Law Journal, Murray, a member of the New York bar, is currently the Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU Law School. Following law school, Murray clerked for Sonia Sotomayor, then of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and Stefan Underhill of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut.

She has published for the California Law Review, Columbia Law Review, Harvard Law Review, Michigan Law Review, Pennsylvania Law Review, Virginia Law Review, and Yale Law Journal, among others. She is an author of Cases on Reproductive Rights and Justice, the first casebook to cover the field of reproductive rights and justice. She has translated her scholarly writing for popular audiences by publishing in the New York Times, Newsweek, the San Francisco Chronicle, Vanity Fair, and the Huffington Post, and offering commentary for numerous media outlets, including NPR, MSNBC, and PBS.

Prior to joining the NYU faculty, Murray was on the faculty of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where she was the recipient of the Rutter Award for Teaching Distinction. From March 2016 to June 2017, she served as interim dean of the Berkeley School of Law.

We celebrated African American Music Month and Juneteenth with a special tribute to the Robinson family’s legendary An Afternoon of Jazz concerts.  This intergenerational program featured museum tours, interactive jazz performances with Jazz at Lincoln Center, and hands-on activities that honored the legacy of the concerts and explored African American music, past and present.

What’s Happening

Interactive Jazz Performance – Join Jazz at Lincoln Center vocalist and educator Goussy Celestin as she leads an exciting quartet in a series of family-friendly interactive performances celebrating Jazz! Be sure to join us to sing, move, and listen to this incredible music.

Interactive jazz performances presented by

Museum Tours – African American Music Month meets our “Third Thursday” tour series. For this special event, the custom-designed tour will highlight the intersections between Jackie Robinson’s life and legacy and African American music in the 20th century.

An Afternoon of Jazz Collection Showcase – Get a peek at posters, buttons, photos, and video clips from the famed Robinson An Afternoon of Jazz concerts.

An Afternoon of Jazz: Share your Story – Do you have photos, ephemera, or memories from attending the original An Afternoon of Jazz concerts? Bring it in to share with us! (We may ask to scan or copy your item(s) to preserve a record of them in the Museum’s archive or record a short video sharing your memory, but you are neither expected or required to donate your original materials.)

Hands-on activities, including making musical instruments

Sensory-friendly Quiet Zone available

Event Notes

Groups are welcome – submit a request and mention your interest in this program.

All youth must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s An Afternoon of Jazz?

Get the scoop on the history of the Robinsons’ famed concert series in our recent blog post and in the highlight video below.

Let’s Play Ball! Celebrating the 80th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s signing with the legendary Kansas City Monarchs, join us to explore the history, impact, and legacy of Black Baseball—from the 19th century to the height of the Negro Leagues and in the game today — through intergenerational tours, games and activities.

What’s Happening?

Join us anytime between 12:00 and 3:00 PM for ongoing activities including:

• An all-new museum scavenger hunt, challenging visitors of all ages to dig into Black baseball stories in the gallery
• Educator stations highlighting key events and individuals that shaped the history of Black baseball
• Interactive games – test your knowledge or learn something new!
• Picture Book Story time (offered on the hour)

Special Guests

Learn about the history of recently-restored Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ, which played host to significant Negro Leagues baseball and stars such as Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell, Monte Irvin, and Larry Doby.

1:00 – 2:00PM – Take a photo with fan favorites Mr. and Mrs. Met, thanks to our friends at the New York Mets.

 

Join Us

Drop-in activities are designed for kids (ages 5 and up) and adults alike. This event is included with regular museum admission and free for museum members (join here). All children must be accompanied by an adult; this is not a drop-off program.

Groups are welcome! For groups of 10 or more, complete the group visit request form and note your interest in this program.

Spread the Word

Download flyer to share this event with your community.

Women’s basketball and women in basketball are more powerful than ever after an explosive year in collegiate and WNBA basketball in 2024. Join us to hear from an incredible panel of trailblazers who are defining the business of basketball; shaping the future of some of the sport’s biggest teams; and creating space for girls and women as players, fans, analysts, and executives.

Featured Speakers

Sheila Johnson, Partner, Monumental Sports and Entertainment
Sheila Johnson is Founder & CEO of the Salamander Collection. The company operates luxury properties centered around unique destinations in the US and the Caribbean. As a Partner of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, Johnson is the only African American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams: the Washington Wizards, Washington Capitals, and the Washington Mystics. She spearheaded the formation of WE Capital, a venture capital consortium to support and invest in female-led enterprises. A powerful influence in the entertainment industry, she was the co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, served as executive producer of documentary and feature films and is founder and chair of the Middleburg Film Festival. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences – focusing on the Education Committee. She serves on several boards including the Trust for the National Mall, College of Performing Arts at The New School, the Metropolitan Opera, Jackie Robinson Foundation, Simon & Schuster Publishing Advisory Board, Aspen Music Festival and School and the PBS Foundation.

Melissa Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena
Melissa Proctor is the EVP and Chief Marketing Officer for the Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club and State Farm Arena. Proctor joined the organization in June 2014 and oversees the day-to-day operations of marketing, Hawks Studios which encompasses creative services, live experience and production, brand merchandising, community impact, brand communications and basketball development for the franchise. She also works closely with executive leadership to provide strategy for the organization. Proctor chronicled her professional and personal journey in the book From Ball Girl to CMO which details how she became the first NBA ball girl, overcame adversity, and how guiding principles have helped her create a game plan for her life and career. Proctor is a distinguished member of the Leadership Atlanta class of 2023; she also serves on several boards including the High Museum of Art, WABE, and Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, and in 2021, she was honored with Adweek’s CMO Award. Proctor holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in design studies/branding from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design at The London Institute.

Shana Stephenson, Chief Brand Officer, New York Liberty
As Chief Brand Officer for the New York Liberty, Shana Stephenson oversees strategies and day to day management of marketing, partnership initiatives, content and innovation for the New York Liberty brand. Additionally, she is responsible for maintaining strong relationships with core fans and building relationships with new fan bases. A former ESPN marketing professional with more than a decade of sports industry experience, Shana has a passion for storytelling – adding a unique perspective, relatable relevance and necessary voice to traditionally male-driven sports community has landed her opportunities with AspireTV, Black Enterprise, Bleacher Report, espnW, Essence, and Refinery29, to name a few. Her keen knowledge of sports inspired her All Sports Everything, a New York centric sports blog with a range of lifestyle, news and other sports-relevant content; UnManning the Game, a platform designed to highlight women in sports; and THE MAJORS, a movement celebrating young-ish influencers of color, sports business’ unsung architects of dope. In October 2020, Shana was named to the Sports Innovation Lab Women’s Sports Leadership Board, the first of its kind, specifically dedicated to accelerating the growth and commercialization of women’s sports.

Khristina Williams, Host of “In Case You Missed It with Khristina Williams,” an iHeartMedia podcast; WNBA reporter; founder of Girls Talk Sports TV
Khristina Williams is a New York City based multimedia journalist, host, and digital creator. As a rising and prominent voice in women’s basketball media, she utilizes her platform to bridge the gap between sports fans and athletes through delivering honest content and amplifying the voices of women through storytelling. In 2018, Williams founded social-digital media platform Girls Talk Sports TV with a mission to close the women’s sports coverage gap by creating  more visibility for women in sports, through social content creation and reporting. GTSTV has since served as the go-to destination for women’s basketball breaking news, daily updates, and exclusive interviews with WNBA and NCAA athletes. In 2022, Athletes Unlimited and Girls Talk Sports TV announced a digital creator partnership for their inaugural basketball season. Through her efforts and impact with Girls Talk Sports TV, Williams has been named to Forbes 30 Under 30 (Sports 2021), Forbes: Queens of Culture (2022),  Sports Illustrated’s 100 Influential Black Women in Sports (2022), Hashtag Sports Creators of Color (2021), PG Sports Women’s Basketball Media/Sports Influencer of the Year (2021), and Hunter College’s “40 Under 40” (2022). Currently, Williams contributes as a WNBA Expert for SportsNet New York (SNY) and is the host of the “In Case You Missed it with Khristina Williams” weekly women’s basketball podcast on iHeart Radio’s newly launched Women’s Sports Audio Network (WSAN). Williams earned a degree in journalism at Hunter College.

Shop42 x Playa Society Collaboration

Don’t miss your chance to shop selected items from Playa Society at Shop42, offered exclusively for Leveling the Playing Field: Women in Basketball.

About Playa Society
Playa Society is a black woman-owned streetwear brand dedicated to celebrating women’s sports and empowering athletes and fans alike. Rooted in authenticity, the brand bridges the gap between sports culture and fashion, offering designs that amplify the stories of athletes and their communities. With a focus on representation, creativity, and connection, Playa Society creates a platform that champions the future of women’s sports. More than a clothing line, it’s a movement that inspires individuals to create their own blueprint.

About the Series

This program is the third event in our Leveling the Playing Field series, which pays tribute to Jackie Robinson’s barrier-breaking legacy by highlighting how women of color are changing the landscape of sports today.

Sponsorship

Presenting Sponsor of Leveling the Playing Field: Sheila Johnson Foundation

Plan your next visit around our guided museum tours, offered on the third Thursday of the month and included with museum admission. Here’s your chance to get the stories behind the artifacts on view, chat with our staff, and connect with fellow guests!

Stopping by over lunch? Bring it with you and enjoy it in the Museum’s Portrait Gallery following your tour.

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What to Expect

Led by Museum staffers, “Third Thursday” tours start at 1:00pm and last approximately 30 minutes and include a selection of highlight stories and one-of-kind artifacts on view in the Museum. Tour content and themes may vary month-to-month, so check the schedule below and consider joining us regularly!

These tours are included with museum admission and have a capacity of up to 20 guests. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance reservation is encouraged.

Third Thursday tours are intended to bring together individual visitors and small groups. Complete the form here if you’re interested in a private tour for your group of 10 or more.

Mark Your Calendars

“Third Thursday” tours take place monthly. Mark your calendars for the following Fall 2025 / Winter 2026 dates:

October 16, 2025 – Dig into highlights from Jackie Robinson’s baseball career, inspired by the 70th anniversary of the Brooklyn Dodgers’ World Series victory in 1955

November 20, 2025 – Get to know Jackie Robinson as an engaged citizen, from his Army service during World War II to his political engagement during his later career.

December 18, 2025 – Museum Highlights – Learn the stories behind the artifacts and exhibitions on view at the museum.

January 15, 2025– Explore the friendship and collaboration between Jackie Robinson and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

February 19, 2025 – Black History Month – Explore Jackie Robinson’s life and achievements alongside monumental events and figures of the 20th century.

 

Make it a Lunch Date

Local employees, fit the Jackie Robinson Museum into your lunch break! Tour tickets include access to the Museum’s Portrait Gallery (not usually open to the public) for 30 minutes following your tour. Bring your lunch and enjoy with fellow museum-goers before heading back to the office.

 

Join us for sensory-friendly hours at the Jackie Robinson Museum, specially designed for neurodivergent visitors, including youth and their families, teens, and adults. ACCESS JRM Fridays will feature limited general admission for reduced crowds and quieter gallery spaces with exhibit audio reduced or silenced.

ACCESS JRM returns Fall 2025 on a new schedule – check below for details!

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What to Expect

In addition to our KultureCity resources available at all times, ACCESS JRM hours will include availability of a dedicated quiet zone and interpretive offerings such as tours, picture book readings, and tactile learning opportunities for inclusive exploration. All age groups are welcome!

ACCESS JRM is mostly a self-guided experience and not designed as a drop-off activity. All children and youth ticket holders must be accompanied by an adult.

Mark Your Calendars

Mark your calendars for the following Fall 2025 – Winter 2026 ACCESS JRM dates:

Friday, September 5, 2025 – 3:00-6:00PM

Sunday, November 2, 2025 – 1:00-3:00PM

Friday, January 9, 2026 – 3:00-6:00PM

Planning to visit this summer? We offer reduced gallery audio and a dedicated sensory-friendly area on Fridays from 3PM to 5PM on an as-requested basis. Reserve your tickets and let us know with at least one week’s notice by emailing [email protected].  

Preparing for your visit

To learn more about accessibility at the Jackie Robinson Museum, view Accessibility and Accommodations on the Visit page of our website. If you have questions or require enhanced accommodations, please email [email protected] with at least two weeks notice from the date you are planning to visit for ACCESS JRM.

Review our Social Narrative to learn about our Museum and what to expect in the galleries.

Tickets

ACCESS JRM is included with regular admission fees.

$18 Adults
$15 Youth, Seniors, College Students
$15 Visitors with Disabilities (care partner free of charge)

ACCESS JRM is free for museum members.

Group Recommendations

• A group discount of $1 off regular admission is available for groups of 10 or more (ACCESS JRM Hours only)
• Recommended group size is up to 20 guests (including staff, care partners, etc.)
• Group reservations require a 25% deposit, with the remaining balance due on the day of the visit.

To request a group visit, complete this brief form to tell us more and we’ll be in touch! Questions about accommodating your group? Email [email protected].

 

“Whether we recognize it or not, our greatest asset is our vote – if we use it in the most effective manner.”

National Voter Registration Day is September 17!

Learn more about this initiative and how you can get involved.

At the Museum

Check your voter status or get registered using the Museum’s new voter registration kiosk in the lobby. We’ll have this resource available during the Museum’s regular hours, now through the November 5 election and beyond.

Online

Don’t wait! Get inspired by Jackie Robinson’s lifelong commitment to engaged citizenship while you check your voter registration status, register to vote, and set election reminders using the VOTE.org tools on our website.

 

Leveling the Playing Field: Women in Soccer pays tribute to Jackie Robinson’s barrier-breaking legacy by highlighting how women of color are changing the landscape of the world’s game today. Our panel of players, coaches, journalists, and executives will explore the growing presence for women of color on the US Women’s National Team and in the National Women’s Soccer League in recent years, pay equity, representation in front office and team ownership roles, and career pathways for girls and young women as players and beyond.

View selected clips from this event

Meet the Panelists:

Darian Jenkins, Broadcast analyst, former NWSL player, and member of the Black Women’s Player Collective
Between 2017 and 2023, Darian Jenkins played professionally in France and Australia and with the North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Orlando Pride and Kansas City in the NWSL, winning an NWSL championship in 2018 with North Carolina. Jenkins also won a national championship in college with the UCLA Bruins. She is currently serving as a CBS Sports analyst on “Attacking Third,” “Morning Footy,” and “Box to Box” on the Golazo Network covering soccer globally and analyst on ION covering NWSL matches every Saturday and a color analyst for MSG local broadcast. Jenkins previously served as Gotham FC chief of staff.

Danita Johnson,  President, Business Operations, DC United
Danita Johnson is a seasoned sports and entertainment executive and member of Sports Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2023 and ESSENCE Power 40 Class of 2023. Johnson serves as the President of Business Operations for Major League Soccer’s most decorated club, D.C. United, a role she has held since January 2021. Notably, she is the first Black President of an MLS Club and only the third woman in league history to serve in this role. Prior to joining D.C. United, Johnson had 15 years of experience in the sports industry, including several roles in the WNBA, NBA, and NBA G League, specializing in revenue generation, community programs, and digital media and marketing.

Kia McNeill, Head Coach, Women’s Soccer, Brown University
Now in her eighth season as head coach, Kia McNeill leads the 4-peat undefeated Ivy League Champion women’s soccer team at Brown University (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), where she has also been recognized twice as Ivy League Coach of the Year and East Region Coach of the Year. McNeill comes to her coaching career after a decorated college and professional playing career. McNeill was a four-year starter at Boston College, where she was the eighth all-time leading scorer, and a professional player in Sweden, Russia, and the US between 2008 and 2014.

Bekah Salwasser, Executive Director, Red Sox Foundation & Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Boston Red Sox; former professional soccer player, Boston Breakers
Bekah Salwasser has dedicated her career to serving the community through promoting and amplifying social justice initiatives. She has been involved with various nonprofits including Scholar Athletes, the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, and the Lacrosse and Learning Center. As Executive Vice President, Social Impact for the Red Sox, Bekah continues to champion and advocate for equity and inclusion through the Foundation’s giving strategies, programming, fundraising, sponsorships, and capacity building that help build the brand and strengthen the impact of the Foundation within the New England community. Bekah brings her experience as an athlete to her work around sports and social justice. Salwasser played collegiate soccer for Brown University before playing professionally for the USL W-League Boston Renegades and the WUSA Boston Breakers.

Renee Washington, PHLY Sports host, ESPN and NWSL Analyst (Moderator)
Renee Washington is a sports reporter and analyst that works with PHLY Sports hosting daily shows on the Philadelphia Union and Phillies. She is an analyst with MSG Networks and CBS Sports covering the NWSL. She has also worked as a college reporter with ESPN as a sideline reporter and analyst. The Ewing, NJ native has covered all sports collegiately or professionally through work with the NBA, MLB, WNBA, NFL, NLL, MLS, and NWSL. In her playing career, Renee is a former three-time all-American and soccer hall of famer from La Salle University. She had an opportunity to play with Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) before becoming a coach at Lehigh University where she received her masters.

Tickets

$25 Adults
$20 Seniors/Youth/College Students/Visitors with disabilities
$15 Museum members (join here)

Tickets include Museum Admission from 5:00 – 6:00PM and light refreshments in addition to the panel discussion.

Special Offer from NJ/NY Gotham FC

Special offer from NJ/NY Gotham FC! Leveling The Playing Field: Women in Soccer event attendees will be eligible to redeem two complimentary tickets to your choice of Gotham FC home games in June, first come first served.

Sponsorship

Presenting Sponsor of Leveling the Playing Field: Sheila Johnson Foundation

Interested in becoming a sponsor for this event? Contact [email protected].