PLL Assists is proud to celebrate Black History Month. We all recognize the stigma attached to the sport of lacrosse. We all hear the jokes, we see the memes, we acknowledge the criticism. We can, however, change the narrative. PLL Assists’ mission, at its core, includes the goal of combating racism, increasing access, and diversifying the sport of lacrosse.

Last September, thirteen of our Black players graced the cover of Inside Lacrosse magazine, outfitted in shirts reading “Black Lives Matter,” and extending the message that this is “a movement” and “not a moment.” Now, more than any time previously, young lacrosse players and fans of color can look at the sport at its highest level and see a number of athletes who look like them, representing the sport we love. While we appreciate the importance of being forward-looking with the goal of increasing diversity in the sport, we also take time to reflect on our sport’s past and honor the legacy of those who helped enhance it. 

Throughout the month of February, the Premier Lacrosse League, PLL Assists and the Black Lacrosse Alliance are highlighting the contributions of different members of the Black Lacrosse community, as we celebrate Black History Month. The non-exhaustive list contains a number of people who have had a massive impact on the sport and on today’s lacrosse players; you have heard of several of these influential figures, but many are names that might not be well known to lacrosse fans.

Names you’ve already seen earlier this month include, Taylor Thornton, Chazz Woodson, Harry Alford, Thomas Alford, Billy Dee Smith, Mike Terry and PLL’s Director of Player Experience, Brian Silcott. These men and women have distinguished themselves through their impact on the game. Join PLL players on Instagram and Twitter, as they share personal anecdotes and pay homage to those who paved the way for Black lacrosse players of the present and of the future.