On the 19th of February, the Carolina Black caucus led by Trish Harris collaborated with the Women’s basketball team during the game against Wake Forest to honor and celebrate the extraordinary African American pioneers who laid the foundation for the Women’s Basketball at UNC and strengthened the ever-growing Black community. Whilst we aim to combat the struggles faced in the present, we sometimes overlook the progress made. This Black history month celebration recognized its impactful honorees, the people who have made today possible.
Crystal King was the first honoree. King became the first African American to lead the Carolina Union in 2013 and as a visionary she had the role of overseeing facilities and programs through which she supported our community, breeding an environment for students to ignite relationships and passions. Her presence was invaluable, and she left an indelible mark on UNC. Following the death of George Floyd she brought awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement, by working with the Union Board of Directors to design and distribute “I Can’t Breathe,” “Hands up, Don’t shoot,” and “BLM” lapel pins to the Carolina community. Her commitment and her passions are indented to the pupils that encountered her as well as the students today as we get to experience the influence of her legacy.
The second honoree to receive her award was Lillian Lee whom I was honored to speak with. She said she was most excited to see the great leaps the Women’s Basketball program was making after her part in sewing the important seeds and nurturing the next generation. Known as a ‘vehicle of change’ Mrs. Lee was one of the first two teachers at the UNC hospital schools when it was founded in 1965. Mrs. Lee acts as a leader of the MLK University community memorial buffet that has raised approximately $150K towards the $250K goal towards supporting just over 300 students. Her indefatigable character that showed such dedication and service carries through to today as she continues to advocate for change alongside her husband Howard Lee the former Chapel Hill mayor and senator Howard Lee. Fun fact! The transit facility on Millhouse road is named the “Howard and Lillian Lee Transit Operations Center” a testament to their service.
Robert Little and Elaine Little received the award on behalf of their daughter Camille Little. Camille has had an incredibly successful and impressive basketball career. On the all-time board, Camille ranks 13th in career points receiving all ACC honors the whole four years and helping the team secure three consecutive conference titles and back-to-back final four appearances. This 2004 rookie of the year was the first ever Tarheel to earn all-ACC honors as a freshman. Camille after being selected as the 17th overall pick in the WNA draft and playing 13 seasons and winning a championship with the storm in 2010 retired after the 2019 season after 13 glorious seasons in the league. She still, however, continues to inspire the next generation of young Black girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
The honorees chosen for the 2023 Carolina Black Caucus will forever be remembered and etched in the very foundation and successes that are being bred in the UNC Women’s Basketball team and beyond. This amazing day was then topped off with a blowout win 58-71 cheered on by the very heart of UNC Women’s Basketball.
