FanPost

Roll Along Iowa.

Obviously, race relations have been a huge part of the news lately, both nationally and here in Iowa.

While it is and was an important area for growth, even before the recent connections to the Hawkeye Football program, the recent information from former and current players has truly made this a focus for the Hawkeye administrators, coaches, players, families, and fans.

I have admitted my own background and life in some comments on recent articles/posts. It is a mostly-white background and life, and more conservative than progressive. I am not a graduate of the U of I, but I am a life-long Iowa resident.

And so, I have found myself wondering how fast, and how far, the Hawkeye Football program can go to address the concerns regarding race. Are many of these actions long overdue? Will any of these actions seem to be too much, or too quick, for a certain amount of fans out there? Does that even matter, and should that matter?

But, I also found myself remembering (some) and researching (some, and not very deeply) of the U of I's history regarding race. While I am sure it has been imperfect, I think there are some accomplishments by individuals, that we can be proud of:

https://admissions.uiowa.edu/student-life/proud-tradition#:~:text=Pioneering%20Advances%20in%20the%201800s&text=UI%20law%20alumnus%20Mary%20B,to%20earn%20a%20law%20degree.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lulu_Johnson

So, even if you are like me, not always embracing change, perhaps this is a time we can support the courage and leadership shown by younger Hawkeyes. Maybe it is a time to build some new connections and understanding. The U of I may have begun in 1847, but I would guess we are all glad that it has changed, evolved, and grown in many ways since then. Maybe the current events are part of that, something we can view with pride, now and in the future.

Unless otherwise expressly indicated by BHGP editors, this FanPost is strictly the viewpoint of the author and is not endorsed by BHGP in any way.