BGDG X Fisk University
In November 2021, Fisk Board of Trustee Member, Frank Simmons, reached out to the BGDG Founder to inquire about a gymnastics team. His niece (Jordynn Cromartie) was set to enter college at a PWI on the gymnastics team. He was determined to have her attend his alma mater. Mr. Simmons set up a meeting with BGDG and Dr. Vann Newkirk (former President). Our next meeting was with the Board of Trustees. After the meeting with the Board of Trustees (Umme Salim-Beasley, Head Coach at Rutgers University and BGDG Advisory Council Member was on the call), they unanimously voted to move forward with the team. Not only did they vote the team in for the 2023 season, one of the board members pledged $100,000 towards the new program!
Through BGDG and the efforts to bring forth HBCU Gymnastics, we helped recruit the coaching staff and over half of gymnastics team were affiliates of BGDG.
In July 2022, BGDG hosted their 6th Annual BGDG Conference and Camp Isla™ Summer Session on the Fisk University Campus, the 2nd ever HBCU Gymnastics Camp. The 1st HBCU Gymnastics™ camp was Camp Isla™ NCAT, held on the campus of NC A&T SU just a few weeks prior to Camp Isla™ Fisk.
“We could not be more excited to launch the first HBCU Intercollegiate Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team. Fisk University has always been an educational leader and this women’s gymnastics program will embody all the qualities that define the Fisk experience: excellence, determination and a commitment to a better tomorrow.”
