It is traditionally known that the black community encompasses the athleticism of two favorite sports – basketball and soccer. Has the time come for something new? Maybe like this. What about the martial arts fencing? A 19-year-old college freshman named Christian Norman stepped out of the box to promote the opportunity for Morehouse College’s fencing program to become a popular sport at the all-male HBCU. Obviously, Norman isn’t afraid of starting a new trend. His unapologetic prowess draws him into a space of connection with an audience of students who want to try fencing by recruiting potential participants. And yes, he already knows a thing or two about fencing.
USA Fencing reported that Norman, an engineering major, is trying to start the only college club team in the country at an HBCU. The student plans for the Morehouse College Fencing Club to begin recruiting and practicing this spring. Norman shares his reasons for being passionate about expanding the opportunities for exercise programs for his fellow students. According to USA Fencing, Norman says it is far more important to introduce black communities to the sport and introduce fencing in more black spaces.
“Even today, fencing is mostly a white and Asian sport, and not many black and brown communities are aware of fencing. I’ve spoken to some people who were interested in fencing when they were younger, but their parents said it was too expensive or a sport for whites and that they wouldn’t feel as welcome in the sport as basketball or baseball “, Said Norman according to USA Fencing. “When I got into fencing, it was my own kind of freedom. I’ve been on the phone. I made the pieces. And depending on what I did, it had its own positive and negative effects. I had to rely on myself to win. “
USA Fencing also reported that Norman’s original plan was not the path it is now on when it comes to getting a fencing team up and running. However, he realized that the time had come for an HBCU to have a fencing team after events that happened last summer.
Before the fencer made formal plans to advance his fencing team’s idea, Norman reportedly discussed his ideas with appropriate parties. It was also reported by USA Fencing that Norman spoke to Morehouse College President David Thomas, in addition to being the college’s sporting director. These principals are reportedly on board. Norman envisions the club team growing into an NCAA program and Morehouse College being the first HBCU to participate in NCAA fencing. However, he also hopes the program will inspire other HBCUs to add fencing to their repertoire, according to USA Fencing.
Norman’s primary goals are being seriously accepted beyond college. According to its website, the Morehouse College fencing club has partnered with the Atlanta Fencers Foundation. The nonprofit mission is to give black and brown communities in Atlanta easier access to the fence.
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