#NNPA BlackPress

PRESS ROOM: Over 20 Diverse PGA Professionals Mentor Student Athletes at PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship

To help these young athletes make connections with golf industry experts, over 20 diverse PGA Professionals from around the country have volunteered as PGA WORKS Ambassadors and will be alongside the athletes and teams as they experience Birmingham during tournament week.
The post PRESS ROOM: Over 20 Diverse PGA Professionals Mentor Student Athletes at PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

2 years ago

May 11, 2023

admin

By Jesse Dodson

A special week has descended upon Birmingham, Alabama, as over 200 collegiate golfers and 29 teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions and other minority-serving institutions from across the country will grace the grounds of Shoal Creek Club and Bent Brook Golf Course to compete in the 2023 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship presented by Chase Sapphire May 8-10.

The championship, which will be broadcast live on Golf Channel from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm ET each round, is known as the most culturally significant championship in collegiate golf. The beauty behind it all, this is much more than your typical 54-hole collegiate championship. This event is about culture, community and introducing a career these college athletes will love for the rest of their lives.

“A big part of our PGA WORKS Ambassador’s role is to mentor and connect with the teams, student athletes and coaches,” said PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship Director Scooter Clark, PGA. “They will be able to share their own personal experiences as a diverse PGA Member. They can also talk about a pathway to PGA Membership, and help these athletes figure out what opportunities exist for them within the industry.”

Maulana Dotch, PGA, General Manager of Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston, is among the list of Ambassadors, and rightly so.

She is not only a past champion of the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship while attending Bethune-Cookman University—who won as a team all four years Dotch competed—but she also won as an individual her senior year in 2002.

However, perhaps more importantly, Dotch is the first Black woman PGA Member to serve as a General Manager of a golf facility. Her experience of becoming a PGA Professional as a minority is inspiring enough, but as someone who has excelled in her career, she becomes an invaluable connection for the Texas Southern University team’s athletes to rely on for guidance and support.

“When the PGA started looking for volunteers for the event, I was one of the first to raise my hand,” said Dotch. “It holds a special place for me because of the history of the tournament.

“When I came through the program into the tournament, I didn’t see PGA Members like me. To have PGA Members here that look like most of the players, you know, that’s important for them to see and recognize, ‘Oh, this is something I can do. I can be a PGA Member, I can manage a golf course.’”

Gerry Hammond, PGA, Director of Instruction and Owner of The Golf Depot at Central Park in Gahanna, Ohio, is the Ambassador for the Florida A&M University and Alabama State teams. He’s a past participant of the championship and loves how many Ambassadors are here for the event.

“I was once here, just to see it come from where it was then to where it is now, is amazing,” Hammond says. “It shows the efforts of everyone pulling this together and offering this opportunity to so many kids. What better time than now to get the best of the best together, not only to play golf but for networking?

“From a career standpoint, everybody here loves the game. If this game can be in the fabric of their daily life as a career, I think it’s one of the best places to be. I’ve been a PGA Professional for 27 years now, and I wouldn’t change it.”

Before the first tee shot was even hit, the PGA WORKS Ambassadors were in the mix with 80 local kids coming to Shoal Creek for a Youth Day, to learn the fundamentals of the game from PGA Professionals.

Afterwards, they joined their teams on a “Birmingham Experience” guided tour, visiting the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the historic 16th Street Baptist Church, the first Black church in Birmingham. The church was tragically bombed in 1963, due to an act of racism, and then heroically rebuilt in 1964, with the help of generous donations from around the world. The tour shed a light on the significant civil rights developments the city of Birmingham has experienced.

The Ambassadors also accompanied their teams to the PGA WORKS Beyond the Green career exploration event the day before the tournament began. It’s here where panels are held by golf industry experts and local community leaders to help provide knowledge and networking opportunities for the athletes and local college and high school students.

Derek Gutierrez, PGA, General Manager of Santa Ana Golf Club Inc. and a member of the PGA Board of Directors, serves as PGA WORKS Committee Co-Chair, but is also taking the time to be a PGA WORKS Ambassador to the Western New Mexico University team while at the event.

“First and foremost, I hope all these student athletes have a positive and memorable experience, they will remember it always,” said Gutierrez. “It is my goal to engage with as many athletes as I can, and help them realize the endless opportunities that exist in our industry. The PGA of America has worked diligently to make our game and profession welcoming to everyone, and this year’s Beyond the Green will bring more awareness of those opportunities.”

PGA and LPGA Member Sherri Pla, Program Director for her namesake Sherri Pla Junior Golf Academy, understands the importance of having a mentor. Someone who you can lean on for advice and guidance. She will serve as the Ambassador for Prairie View University during the week.

“If I can give them something they can take back home, something that will help them grow, help them reach goals, help them learn something they can use going forward, I think that’s all we can ask,” said Pla, a Florida Atlantic University Hall of Fame Member. “You never know what those moments are going to be, when you can impact someone’s life in a positive manner.”

Champions will be crowned at the 2023 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship—that’s for certain. But if a career is born because of a relationship made or a panel discussion visited; that’s the real win.

2023 PGA WORKS Ambassadors

Richard Brown, PGA
PGA of America Education Faculty – Frisco, Texas

Jeff Dunovant, PGA
John A. White Golf Course Director of Golf – Atlanta, Georgia

Derek Gutierrez, PGA
Santa Ana Golf Club Inc. General Manager – Santa Ana Pueblo, NM

Brandon Howard, PGA
Belmont Golf Course – Richmond, Virginia

Mackenzie Mack, PGA
Callaway Golf DE&I Director – San Marcos, California

Clay Myers, PGA
The Park West Palm Beach Head Professional – West Palm Beach, Florida

Henry Pointer, PGA
First Tee East Baton Rouge Instructor – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Henry Stetina, PGA
New Mexico State University PGM Program Coordinator – Las Cruces, New Mexico

Blair Waters, PGA
G/FORE Sales Representative – Scottsdale, Arizona

Chris Brown, PGA
Methodist University PGM Internship Director – Fayetteville, North Carolina

Maulana Dotch, PGA
Hermann Park Golf Course General Manager – Houston, Texas

Gerry Hammond, PGA
The Golf Depot Director of Instruction and Owner – Gahanna, Ohio

Rich Jones, PGA
Golf Galaxy Director of Instruction – Bay Shore, New York

Tiana Jones, PGA
University of Maryland Eastern Shore Head Coach – Princess Anne, Maryland

Vince Juarez, PGA
KemperSports Vice President of Operations – Northbrook, Illinois

Kendall Murphy, PGA
Troon Director of DE&I – Scottsdale, Arizona

Mark Nance, PGA
PXG Indianapolis Store Manager – Indianapolis, Indiana

Sherri Pla, PGA
Sherri Pla Junior Golf Academy Director of Instruction – Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

Josh Salmon, PGA
New Mexico State University PGM Program Specialist – Las Cruces, New Mexico

Klenton Sparks, PGA
Broken Sound Golf Club Assistant Professional – Boca Raton, Florida

Rashad Wilson, PGA
SuperPro Golf Services Director of Operations – Bethlehem, Georgia

Tom Woodard, PGA
Meadows Golf Course Director of Golf – Littleton, Colorado

The 2023 PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship will be played May 8-10 at Shoal Creek Golf Club and Bent Brook Golf Course and will be broadcast live on Golf Channel each round from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm ET.

The post PRESS ROOM: Over 20 Diverse PGA Professionals Mentor Student Athletes at PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

admin

Posts by admin

Up Next

Task Force Recommends Breast Cancer Screening Should Begin at Age 40

Don't Miss

Daniel Penny Charged in Fatal Chokehold of Jordan Neely

admin

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

Published

3 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

Published

1 day ago

May 29, 2025

Stacy M. Brown

By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

Stacy M. Brown

Posts by Stacy M. Brown

#NNPA BlackPress

WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2025

admin

https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists: