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A resolution recognizing Fisk University on launching the first-ever Historically Black Colleges and Universities Intercollegiate Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team.
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WHEREAS, Fisk University is a highly ranked Historically Black University and is the oldest institution of higher learning in Nashville, Tennessee. The outstanding faculty and students continue to enhance the University’s international reputation for academic excellence; and
WHEREAS, in February 2022, Fisk announced the formation of its inaugural gymnastics team, “The Bulldogs”, making the university the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (“HBCU”) to have an intercollegiate women’s gymnastics program; and
WHEREAS, in August 2022 the team hosted its first formal practice, which was captured on video and posted to TikTok. This video has gone viral, garnering nearly 800,000 views and more than 200,000 likes; and
WHEREAS, the team is led by Fisk University Athletic Director and Head Gymnastics Coach Corrinne Tarver, who was herself a U.S. National Team gymnast and a national gymnastics champion at the University of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, for Coach Tarver, taking on the historic team as Head Coach is a continuation of her barrier-breaking gymnastics career, as she was the first Black gymnast to attend the University of Georgia and win an NCAA all-around title; and
WHEREAS, since Fisk announced their gymnastics program, Coach Tarver has been highly successful in her recruitment efforts, including landing 18-year-old freshman Zyia Coleman of Atlanta, Georgia, a life-long gymnast; and Morgan Price of Lebanon, Tennessee, a 16-year-old 5-Star gymnast who decommitted from the University of Arkansas to attend Fisk University; and
WHEREAS, the season starts in January and the Fisk University Bulldogs expect to compete against other collegiate teams this season from across the country, including teams from George Washington University, Towson University, and the University of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, in the past, Black gymnasts have been forced to make a tough decision between attending an HBCU institution or pursuing a passion for gymnastics. Now, lifelong gymnasts are able to participate in the best of both worlds. Fisk University is currently on a mission to raise $2 million in funding to build an on-campus gymnastics training facility; and
WHEREAS, women’s gymnastics exemplifies the values of Fisk University: determination, excellence, and a commitment to a more just and equitable future. These values have consistently been at the forefront of women’s gymnastics and the Metro Council is excited to welcome these remarkable student-athletes to Fisk and the city of Nashville starting in the fall of 2022; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes and congratulates Fisk University as they launch the first-ever HBCU Intercollegiate Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing Fisk University’s launch of the first-ever Intercollegiate Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team at a Historically Black College or University.
Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Fisk University President Vann Newkirk, Sr.; Fisk University Athletic Director and Head Gymnastics Coach Corrinne Tarver; and to the members of the first-ever HBCU Intercollegiate Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Team.
Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.