Akil Patterson
| Akil Patterson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1 January 1983 |
| Education | University of Maryland, College Park & California University of Pennsylvania |
| Occupation | Youth Programs Coordinator, Athlete Ally & Community Organizer, Sugar Free Kids |
Akil Patterson (born Akil Sadiki Patterson on January 1, 1983 in Buffalo, New York), attended Fredrick High School, Maryland, where he was an All-State Athlete in Football, Wrestling, and Track & Field as a shot-putter. At The California University of Pennsylvania he was a two time Division-II All American. In 2006, he graduated with a B.S. in Sports Management.[1][2][3]
Post Graduation
Patterson came from a wrestling family, and he wanted to try his hand at the sport once he graduated from college. As a former all-state heavyweight wrestler, Patterson began training as a Greco-Roman wrestler and joined the Terrapins wrestling team at the University of Maryland as a volunteer coach. He went on to lead the Terrapin Wrestling Club, which trains young athletes. Akil is also a four time Greco-Roman wrestling All-American, and a four time World Team Trials Qualifier.
LGBT Advocacy
As the current community affairs coordinator at Athlete Ally, Patterson works with corporate partners, need based organizations, local organizations, campus programs and youth programs to coordinate their anti-discrimination initiatives. According to Doug Sanbourn, who serves as manager, community, commerce and partnership coordinator at MillerCoors, they chose to work to Mr. Patterson “because of the work he has taken on as a leader. He embodies what we should all be doing to secure equality everywhere.”Athlete Ally also provides training and outreach for collegiate and professional teams in addition to the NBA Draft Combine individual professional teams, and campus athletic departments. Athlete Ally actively reaches players, coaches, administration, and staff throughout sports in North America.[4][5][6][7]
Currently, Akil spreads the message of equality and allyship as a blogger for the Huffington Post. In addition, he gives his interns and athletes a platform to share their stories in Huffington Post Voice-to-Voice Interviews
Community Involvement
Akil is a community organizer with Sugar Free Kids Maryland. He is currently working to build a coalition to educate both the community and legislators about the long-lasting adverse effects of sugary beverages. The focus of the coalition is to bring attention to the issue and help reverse the twin epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and obesity among young people.
Professional Recognitions
Akil has been featured in The Advocate’s 40 under 40 issue. In addition, he has been featured in many news mediums such at the Baltimore Sun, Huffington Post, and The Washington Post.
References
- ↑ "Making sports gay-friendly for athletes". Washington Post. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ↑ "My double life as a gay athlete - Akil Patterson - LGBT Sports Issue". Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ↑ Baltimore Sun (9 July 2011). "Gay athlete: After coming out, former Maryland player feels he has a second chance - Baltimore Sun". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ↑ "Voice To Voice: Akil Patterson And D'Qwell Jackson Discuss Being An LGBT Ally". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ↑ "Voice To Voice: Kevin Anderson And Akil Patterson". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ↑ "Akil Patterson". You Can Play. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ↑ "Forty Under 40: Part Two". The Advocate. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ↑ Freeman, Mike (23 April 2015). "NFL Draft: How Wade Davis and Others Paved the Way for Michael Sam". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 27 April 2015.