February 19, 2021
Getting to Know...BBI Task Force Member Payton Shank
Burlington, Ont. - Throughout Black History Month, we are featuring members of the OUA's Black, Biracial, and Indigenous (BBI) Task Force, including insights into the start of their athletic journey, their involvement in the Task Force, and some of their own words of wisdom.
The next member that we will get to know more about is Payton Shank, a member of the McMaster Marauders women's rugby team.
Q1: What was your motivation to get involved with the OUA's Black, Biracial, and Indigenous (BBI) Task Force?
A1: To create important change, speak my truth, and fight for what I know is right and necessary
Q2: What has it meant to you to be part of the OUA's BBI Task Force?
A2: Unity and power. Speaking my truth and having my voice heard. Fighting for those that need to be fought for. Getting people's attention and finally getting the ball rolling on important change.
Q3: Who/what inspired you to first get involved in sport?
A3: My mom and dad!
Q4: What was your first role in association with the OUA?
A4: Student-athlete.
Q5: During your time and role(s) within the OUA, what has been your fondest memory?
A5: Being part of the BBI Task Force!
Q6: What do you consider to be your greatest success during your time and role(s) within the OUA?
A6: Being part of the BBI Task Force and creating my own research initiative.
Q7: Do you have any role model(s), either within or beyond the OUA, that have stood out along your journey? If so, who and why?
A7: Coach Corey Grant! He has been such an important part of my journey with all of the work that I have been able to do and be a part of throughout this and I am so thankful for him.
Q8: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A8: It means honouring and celebrating those that have come before us, led the way, and those that stand here today.
Q9: In celebration of Black History Month, what message would you like to share with those across the OUA and beyond?
A9: If this month teaches you anything, let it be to honour those around you in the Black community. Honour all that we have accomplished, all that we have gone through, and all that we are. Continue to learn and educate yourselves. Continue to be allies, begin changing your lens that you view the world through. The change cannot only come from us. We must all work together to create the change we need.
The next member that we will get to know more about is Payton Shank, a member of the McMaster Marauders women's rugby team.
Q1: What was your motivation to get involved with the OUA's Black, Biracial, and Indigenous (BBI) Task Force?
A1: To create important change, speak my truth, and fight for what I know is right and necessary
Q2: What has it meant to you to be part of the OUA's BBI Task Force?
A2: Unity and power. Speaking my truth and having my voice heard. Fighting for those that need to be fought for. Getting people's attention and finally getting the ball rolling on important change.
Q3: Who/what inspired you to first get involved in sport?
A3: My mom and dad!
Q4: What was your first role in association with the OUA?
A4: Student-athlete.
Q5: During your time and role(s) within the OUA, what has been your fondest memory?
A5: Being part of the BBI Task Force!
Q6: What do you consider to be your greatest success during your time and role(s) within the OUA?
A6: Being part of the BBI Task Force and creating my own research initiative.
Q7: Do you have any role model(s), either within or beyond the OUA, that have stood out along your journey? If so, who and why?
A7: Coach Corey Grant! He has been such an important part of my journey with all of the work that I have been able to do and be a part of throughout this and I am so thankful for him.
Q8: What does Black History Month mean to you?
A8: It means honouring and celebrating those that have come before us, led the way, and those that stand here today.
Q9: In celebration of Black History Month, what message would you like to share with those across the OUA and beyond?
A9: If this month teaches you anything, let it be to honour those around you in the Black community. Honour all that we have accomplished, all that we have gone through, and all that we are. Continue to learn and educate yourselves. Continue to be allies, begin changing your lens that you view the world through. The change cannot only come from us. We must all work together to create the change we need.
