Akil Patterson
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 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (August 2018) |
Akil Patterson | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1983 |
| Education | University of Maryland, College Park California University of Pennsylvania Washington University in St. Louis |
| Occupation(s) | Youth Programs Coordinator, Athlete Ally & Community Organizer, Sugar Free Kids |
Akil Sadiki Patterson (born January 1, 1983) is an American former college football player and former wrestler, and advocate for LGBT athletes.
Early life[edit]
Patterson attended Frederick High School, Maryland, where he was an All-State Athlete in Football, Wrestling, and Track & Field as a shot-putter. He attended the University of Maryland, but left in 2003, after being indefinitely suspended from the football team, for violations of team rules. He later attended the California University of Pennsylvania, where he was a two time Division-II All American. In 2006, he graduated with a B.S. in Sports Management.[1][2][3]
Post-graduation[edit]
Patterson came from a wrestling family, and he wanted to try his hand at the sport once he graduated from college. As a former all-state heavyweight wrestler, Patterson began training as a Greco-Roman wrestler and joined the Terrapins wrestling team at the University of Maryland as a volunteer coach.[4] He went on to lead the Terrapin Wrestling Club, which trains young athletes.[5] He is also a four time Greco-Roman wrestling All-American, and a four time World Team Trials Qualifier.
In 2020 Mr. Patterson ran in the 13th district for the Baltimore City Council, but was unsuccessful in his bid.[6]
Mr. Patterson is a graduate of Washington University School of Law with a dual Certificate in Project Management and Negotiations[7]
LGBT advocacy[edit]
As the community affairs coordinator at Athlete Ally, Patterson works with corporate partners, need based organizations, local organizations, campus programs and youth programs to coordinate their anti-discrimination initiatives. According to Doug Sanbourn, who serves as manager, community, commerce and partnership coordinator at MillerCoors, they chose to work to Mr. Patterson "because of the work he has taken on as a leader. He embodies what we should all be doing to secure equality everywhere." Athlete Ally also provides training and outreach for collegiate and professional teams in addition to the NBA Draft Combine individual professional teams, and campus athletic departments. Athlete Ally actively reaches players, coaches, administration, and staff throughout sports in North America.[5][8][9][10]
As a blogger for The Huffington Post, Patterson spreads the message of equality and allyship. In addition, he gives his interns and athletes a platform to share their stories in Huffington Post Voice-to-Voice Interviews.[5]
Professional recognition[edit]
Patterson has been featured in The Advocate's 40 under 40 issue.[10] In addition, he has been featured in news media such as The Baltimore Sun, The Huffington Post, and The Washington Post.[11]
In 2022 Patterson became the first Social Equity and Economic Development manager in the country where he worked on Social Justice related to Cannabis tax Revenue.[citation needed]
References[edit]
- ^ "Making sports gay-friendly for athletes". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ^ "My double life as a gay athlete – Akil Patterson – LGBT Sports Issue". Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights. August 28, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ^ Baltimore Sun (July 9, 2011). "Gay athlete: After coming out, former Maryland player feels he has a second chance – Baltimore Sun". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ^ "Maryland Wrestler Seeks Spot On 2012 Olympic Team - CBS Baltimore". www.cbsnews.com. July 29, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Voice To Voice: Akil Patterson And D'Qwell Jackson Discuss Being An LGBT Ally". The Huffington Post. August 19, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ^ "2020 Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ "Gokhshtein Media Appoints New CCO - Akil Patterson". AP NEWS. May 24, 2022. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
- ^ "Voice To Voice: Kevin Anderson And Akil Patterson". The Huffington Post. January 11, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ^ "Akil Patterson". You Can Play. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ^ a b "Forty Under 40: Part Two". The Advocate. April 13, 2011. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
- ^ Freeman, Mike (April 23, 2015). "NFL Draft: How Wade Davis and Others Paved the Way for Michael Sam". Bleacher Report. Retrieved April 27, 2015.