Houston Shapes Future: A Black Athlete's Reflection on Black History Month

The University of Houston Athletics holds a rich history of contributing to the advancement of Black students, with significant milestones in breaking racial barriers in major sports. Dating to the 1960s, the university played a crucial role in aiding racial integration. During a time when segregation was prevalent in sports, the University of Houston embraced the talent and potential of Black athletes, leading to a more inclusive and diverse athletic community. Icons like Elvin Hayes, who played for the Cougars' Men's Basketball team in the 1960s, became trailblazers, setting the stage for future generations of Black athletes as did Houston Football's Warren McVea who broke the color barrier by becoming the first Black player to suit up for a major college football team in Texas during 1965.

As part of the celebration of Black History Month in 2024, Houston Athletics is dedicated to recognizing and highlighting the achievements of former student-athletes who have transcended their roles on the field and court to become leaders in their respective professions. These student-athletes embody the values of perseverance, excellence, and leadership instilled during their time at the University of Houston.

Vincenzo Cox headshot

Attending the University of Houston was a transformative experience that shaped not just my career but also my perspective on life. The diversity of the campus exposed me to people from all walks of life, fostering friendships that transcended cultural boundaries. It was here that I learned to appreciate the similarities that connect us all, realizing that beneath our differences, we share a common humanity. Houston, much like my upbringing, became a place where I felt I truly belonged.

The significance of Black History Month, to me, lies in its role as a reminder of a crucial part of American history that we must acknowledge and understand. It's a time to reflect on the progress we've made as a country, recognizing that the roots of this progress are embedded in the struggles of those who came before us. As someone with a lineage traced back to slaves, I take pride in the journey of resilience and triumph that has brought us to where we are today. For me it allows a time for those who want to listen to see and recognize a part of our American history we are not proud of. It's a reminder of the growth and progress this country has made in its infancy because America is still a new country. Blacks are humans in a different skin tone that have endured oppression. Knowing that this history evolved from slavery, I am proud and will never be shy about the fact that I have the blood of slaves and where we are today in this country is a result of those who have suffered before this time.

When asked how fellow Americans can support Black Americans, my response emphasizes the importance of recognizing the rapid progression our nation has witnessed in the last 60 years. The unfortunate thing about this development is that it took so long, and many Black Americans never got to live a life of decent quality. We have so many good people in all races (White, Asian, Hispanic and Black) the goodness sometimes is overshadowed with those who have not progressed. Regardless I will never let that stop me from loving all people and teaching that to those I interact with. Black History is a month to honor Black Americans, but I just wish this country could live day in and day out where honoring all races is a part of the fiber of the United States. Because at the end of the day we are all neutralized by life and death. There is no superior human race with superpowers that can cheat the code of life. We are all in this together.

Reflecting on my time at the University of Houston, I attribute much of my success to the standards set by the institution. I thank God I was able to have professors who cared and helped me develop without compromising the rigor of high academic standards. I am even more thankful for having a coach who was a world class person in so many ways I can't even get into. The world class standards of Coach Tom Tellez while I was at the University of Houston are ingrained in me to this day. Training with world class athletes like Leroy Burrell, Carl Lewis and Mike Marsh gave me the confidence to take on challenges like no other. The impact of this experience has helped me structure a way to pass on knowledge to the students and athletes I get to coach and teach. They have benefited from greatness that was passed on to me.

Now I get to instill those same qualities I learned at the University of Houston into my students and my athletes. As the boy's soccer coach at Alief-Elsik High School, the world class standard Coach Tellez instilled in me is what I instill in my team. It is what has led us to a UIL 6A championship title and a semifinal appearance and what has helped lead, develop and train professional players, United States National Team Youth players and 3 Gatorade Player of the Year award winners at Elsik. But it is the impact off the field that I know I have the largest ability to influence these young minds and hope they can make this world a better place.

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