Raymond J. Ankrum, Sr. Ed.D.’s Post

The Struggle of Black Coaches in the NFL: Breaking Barriers in 2024 In this eye-opening video, we shed light on the unfortunate reality faced by Black coaches in the National Football League. Despite their skills and expertise, they are still denied equal opportunities. Join us as we discuss the challenges and the need for change. #BlackCoaches #NFLBarriers #EqualOpportunities #BreakingStigmas #RacialEquality #SportsIndustry #DiversityMatters #FootballCulture #CoachingChallenges #ProgressInSports

🔥 The Decline of American-Born Black Players in MLB 🔥 The number of American-born Black players in MLB has fallen from 19% in 1995 to about 7% today. 📉 Key factors: 🔹 Lack of Domestic Academies: The U.S. has fewer baseball academies compared to countries like the Dominican Republic. 🔹 Impact of the 1994 Crime Bill: Increased incarceration rates among African American men disrupted families, limiting support for young athletes. 🔹 Economic Barriers: High costs of playing baseball make it less accessible for many families in communities of color. In the 80s and 90s, strong community programs, visible role models, and accessible school sports made baseball a viable path for many Black youth. Today, we must reinvest in these areas to ensure that all young athletes have the opportunity to pursue their dreams. 🏆 Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and representative future for baseball! ⚾️ #MLB #Diversity #Inclusion #Baseball #Community #YouthSports #RepresentationMatters #9Innings #mlb2cfp Disclosure: https://lnkd.in/gkSdabMT

⚾🌟 As we embrace January and gear up for Black History Month and MLB Spring Training in February, an important conversation emerges. In the coming days, articles will surface discussing the decline of African-Americans in baseball. What do you think are the top three reasons behind this decline, spanning from youth leagues to the Major Leagues? Share your insights and let's engage in a thoughtful dialogue on the future of diversity in America's favorite pastime. 💬🤔 #BaseballDiscussion #MLBInsights

So pleased to share my recent feature on HerAgenda, where I discuss my career journey and the many pivots I’ve made along the way in the sports industry. 🎯 For ambitious women (and men too!) looking to make strategic moves in their careers, I hope this conversation inspires you to embrace transitions and explore new opportunities for growth. If you’re navigating your own pivot, this one’s for you! Thank you to HerAgenda.com for the platform space & discussion. Link in the below post⬇️ #CareerPivots #SportsIndustry #SportsBusiness #WomeninSports #HerAgenda #GrowthMindsets

🚨 New Article Alert! 🚨 In my latest analysis, I dive into the immense potential of Dereck Lively II and how his unique skill set has made him a key contributor to the Dallas Mavericks' success. From rim protection to floor spacing, Lively is shaping up to be one of the NBA's next elite big men. Check out my breakdown of his impact and future in the league! 🏀🔥 Read more here:

Nothing better than learning baseball history from the great Bob Kendrick from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Check out this episode to learn about three amazing women who broke barriers and crushed it in the Negro Leagues.

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After I wrote my article honoring NBA legend Jerry West, and the record he set that no one seemed to know about, I realized there is a takeaway from this story that everyone, in all walks of life, could benefit from. I added the takeaway in a postscript at the end of a revised version of my written article. You can see the revised written version of the article at the link below. https://lnkd.in/eXt2dNdS

🏀 In our latest Geeks Who Like Sports episode, we discuss Caitlin Clark, the most prolific women’s basketball player in collegiate history, and why USA Basketball is overlooking her. Already a WNBA star, this oversight could drive her to greatness. What do you think about this decision? Join the conversation! #WomensBasketball #CaitlinClark #SportsTalk

The beauty of making a mistake is that you get to learn about behaviours that you shouldn’t repeat. We all make mistakes every day that become the stepping stones to a better future. The only way to learn what isn’t good for you is to actually experience it and not just heed the warnings of well-wishers. Live your authentic self without any facade of trying to please people. And of course, past mistakes and errors will not define where your future takes you. Just focus on the learnings and do better next time. Without the bad, we would never learn to appreciate the good. And without the struggles, we would never know what we are truly capable of achieving. When I go through a hard time and survive, I always look back and wonder, how the hell did I live through that? Give yourself enough credit for having fought hard enough to come out the other side. You’ll end up feeling less like a victim and more like a person who is content with their existence. Your struggles will not define you, they will however toughen you up. What is up to us, what is not up to us, which means you must understand what’s within your power to change and what isn’t, and focus on what you can control!!! control your own attitude, emotions, judgments, and responses. You control how you see and respond to obstacles. So, by focusing on the parts of your game under your control, you will see an increase in the overall level of your performances. Good luck 👍