NiEtta will host part 2 of our podcast “Major Problems Minor Recognition: Minorities and Mental Health in Sports” to help us understand the effects of racism on minority athletes’ mental health across all levels of sports. Her goal is to create opportunities for those in need of access to mental health resources and help them overcome challenges to lead healthy, productive lives. Our co-host, Dr. Kenneth Rogers, has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified psychiatrist addressing PTSD and other trauma. His clinical research demonstrates the positive outcomes of intervention through community-based mental health programs. He will help lead our discussion regarding minority athletes’ mental health, the significance of diversity and inclusion in sports, and effective coping strategies. This month, our guest speaker is the head coach of Florida Memorial University Men’s Basketball Team Ansar Al-Ameen. Al-Ameen began cultivating his coaching career with the Oakland Soldier AAU program powerhouse in Northern California. Al-Ameen has been highly successful at both the AAU, collegiate, and NBA levels. In 1997, Al-Ameen joined the Fresno State University basketball staff under renowned head coach Jerry Tarkanian. He’s held successful collegiate coaching positions with TSU, PVAMU, and the University of Missouri. In addition to his coaching experience, Al- Ameen has been a trainer for many NBA players. Such as Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Amare Stoudemire, Shawn Marion, Jamal Crawford, and Paul Pierce, to name a few Al-Ameen has encountered basketball legends, All-Stars, and Hall of Fame coaches. He’s known in the NBA industry as one of the foremost basketball trainers in America. It’s safe to say he has left a leading legacy on the court and in the community.
