Profiles in Board Leadership: Tina Sloan Green
Keep on Moving
By Dr. Germaine Edwards
“God Don’t Like Ugly”
To blaze trails, Hall of Famer and Pioneer Tina Sloan Green keeps on moving. She echoed this when asked, “What’s your favorite or most memorable quote and why did you choose it?”
I chose this one because it keeps me going when people do crazy stuff to me. Being a first isn’t easy. My mom would be the one to keep me going. (She would say) God will take care of it. Keep on moving.
How did you first get involved in the BWSF?
As a new coach at Temple, (I) would travel around the city to conferences and clinics and not see anyone who looked like me.
With the help of Dr. Robert Leahy, then the Temple University Continuing Education Coordinator, we created BWSF for local coaches and students in the inner-city schools and recruited notable Black track and field and basketball players such as Nell Jackson, Wilma Rudolph and Wyomia Tyus, (and) Bessie Stockard to participate. (Most came from Historically black schools).
The Temple Owls won their second championship by defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions in the final, 15–7. This was a rematch of the previous year's final, won by Penn State. Furthermore, Temple's win secured an undefeated season (19–0) for the Owls. Image Source
What is your favorite sports memory or moment?
Winning the 1988 NCAA National LAX Championship
Why is the work of the BWSF relevant right now?
(BWSF’s work is still relevant for the following reason.) There is still a lack of equitable opportunity for Black females to participate in sport from the playing field to the board room especially in the economically challenged black communities.
Who is a black woman mentor or role model that has influenced your life? How?
(That would be) Delores Andy- Commissioner of Recreation in Philadelphia- Director of the (National Youth Sports Program) NYSP program. She exposed my family and me to many national and local events and the possibilities that existed in sport and recreation.
What do you do in your spare time?
During my career, I didn’t have too much spare time. I loved work. It was fun. (I had an opportunity to work) and have my children and husband with me. We liked going to sporting events, watching sports on television, and watching the kids play (sports).
Now, I enjoy going to Temple University games, Phillies games, and other sporting events. I enjoy working with the young people like you, Nnenna (Akotaobi), and Traci (Green) to help you understand what the Foundation did and will have to do to continue going forward.
(I use my time) to get acquainted with new skills—smartphones, technology, podcasts; staying in the now; seeing what’s transpired.
Having my first grandchild, I love seeing her as she grows. I don’t see her (in person) as much (as I’d like) but technology has given me the opportunity to see a lot of her.
Philadelphia Portrait Awards rendering of Tina Sloan Green
What is your favorite memory with Nikki and Alpha?
There are sooo many! At my mom’s house when Frank (Green) and I got married, they were all there. It was nice to have family and really close friends there.
It was good watching Alpha (Alexander) develop and sharing lots of stuff with her (like attending) Tom Joyner’s wedding. There are just so many things.
Thank God for technology. (Going through) photos jogs my memory about a lot of stuff.
Germaine Edwards, Ph.D., is the Program and Communication Coordinator for the Black Women in Sport Foundation.