From the Quad
7/26/2021 12:00:00 PM | General
Presented by Wake Forest Baptist Health
Good afternoon Demon Deacon Nation,
Amid the glow of anticipation created at last week's ACC Football Media Days, we bring you this special edition of From the Quad and an important announcement.
One of the greatest strengths of higher education is that it is dynamic. Education invites all into an ongoing journey of discovery and at Wake Forest we are passionate about seeking knowledge, growth and understanding. The calling of Pro Humanitate is to use that knowledge and truth to better the lives of people and unite our communities.
Wake Forest University has many pioneers, but Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry are more than pioneers...they are trailblazers! Bob and Butch were the first Black football student-athletes to enroll at a Division I institution in the South, joining the Wake Forest family in the fall of 1964. Being the first two Black football players at Wake Forest took tremendous courage. It took deep faith to believe that their teammates, the coaching staff, our University leadership and the Winston-Salem community would offer steady support during uncertain times. They were transformational leaders, displaying their abilities, talents, character and fortitude to persevere and mark trails for future student-athletes of color at Wake Forest.
So it is fitting that with heartfelt gratitude that Wake Forest Athletics honors Bob and Butch with the newly created "Trailblazer Award," recognizing their role in integrating intercollegiate sports in the South in 1964. The new Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award will rank among Wake Forest's signature honors, such as the Arnold Palmer, Marge Crisp and Ron & Linda Wellman Life Teammate Awards.
In the coming days, you will read in-depth features about Bob and Butch. You'll be reminded of the past comments by Dr. Gene Hooks and Coach Bill Tate of the commitment it took from our University leadership, led by President Harold Tribble, to support the integration of Athletics programs at Wake Forest.
While Bob and Butch will be honored this fall, future annual honorees will be recognized for demonstrating impactful accomplishments in efforts that promote and support inclusion, equity and unity. There is no minimum or maximum number of honorees per year, and nominees (which can be sent by email to wfsports@wfu.edu) will be reviewed by the newly commissioned Trailblazer Award Committee.
We look forward to honoring these two historic trailblazers this fall. While we continue to strive towards the ideal of inclusive excellence, I am grateful for those whose past leadership gave our University the courage to be the first in the South to welcome Black student-athletes.
As always, continue to send me your thoughts, questions and suggestions to wfuad@wfu.edu.
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Director of Athletics
Good afternoon Demon Deacon Nation,
Amid the glow of anticipation created at last week's ACC Football Media Days, we bring you this special edition of From the Quad and an important announcement.
One of the greatest strengths of higher education is that it is dynamic. Education invites all into an ongoing journey of discovery and at Wake Forest we are passionate about seeking knowledge, growth and understanding. The calling of Pro Humanitate is to use that knowledge and truth to better the lives of people and unite our communities.
Wake Forest University has many pioneers, but Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry are more than pioneers...they are trailblazers! Bob and Butch were the first Black football student-athletes to enroll at a Division I institution in the South, joining the Wake Forest family in the fall of 1964. Being the first two Black football players at Wake Forest took tremendous courage. It took deep faith to believe that their teammates, the coaching staff, our University leadership and the Winston-Salem community would offer steady support during uncertain times. They were transformational leaders, displaying their abilities, talents, character and fortitude to persevere and mark trails for future student-athletes of color at Wake Forest.
So it is fitting that with heartfelt gratitude that Wake Forest Athletics honors Bob and Butch with the newly created "Trailblazer Award," recognizing their role in integrating intercollegiate sports in the South in 1964. The new Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award will rank among Wake Forest's signature honors, such as the Arnold Palmer, Marge Crisp and Ron & Linda Wellman Life Teammate Awards.
In the coming days, you will read in-depth features about Bob and Butch. You'll be reminded of the past comments by Dr. Gene Hooks and Coach Bill Tate of the commitment it took from our University leadership, led by President Harold Tribble, to support the integration of Athletics programs at Wake Forest.
While Bob and Butch will be honored this fall, future annual honorees will be recognized for demonstrating impactful accomplishments in efforts that promote and support inclusion, equity and unity. There is no minimum or maximum number of honorees per year, and nominees (which can be sent by email to wfsports@wfu.edu) will be reviewed by the newly commissioned Trailblazer Award Committee.
We look forward to honoring these two historic trailblazers this fall. While we continue to strive towards the ideal of inclusive excellence, I am grateful for those whose past leadership gave our University the courage to be the first in the South to welcome Black student-athletes.
As always, continue to send me your thoughts, questions and suggestions to wfuad@wfu.edu.
Go Deacs!
John Currie
Director of Athletics
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