By Dillard University
Dillard University Athletics Director Dr. Kiki Baker Barnes has been chosen to be one of the featured guest panelists for the live television program The Arena at the Final Four on Saturday, April 2, at 1 p.m. locally on TBS.
The program will be hosted by Cari Champion from the iconic Orpheum Theatre in New Orleans and will include commenting from fellow panelists Candace Parker, Tyrann Mathieu and Master P exploring the impact of Title IX on sport and society, with the spotlight of the New Orleans community coming together to support Louisiana’s Hicks High School Lady Pirates and create opportunities through sports for the next generation.
A featured-length documentary titled Title IX: 37 Words That Changed America will chronicle and celebrate the societal and cultural impact of Title IX, anchored through the perspective of Parker – a women’s basketball icon and two-time WNBA champion and NCAA Champion – from her childhood in Naperville, Illinois to her decorated championship college career at the University of Tennessee to her legacy professional career in the WNBA. The film will also feature interviews and key players in sports, business, politics and entertainment that explore the evolution of our country in the 50 years since Title IX was enacted and the impact of ensuring equal opportunities in sports for everyone will be run on TBS at noon locally prior to the live program featuring Dr. Barnes and all the rest of the distinguished guests.
“Sports is for everyone. In the 50 years since its enactment, Title IX created opportunities for me and for millions of others, with the impact felt way beyond the court or the playing field,” said Candace Parker, who is also an executive producer of the project alongside her production company, Baby Hair Productions. “I am proud to be able to share that story through this film, and to continue the discussion about how we collectively can further break barriers for future generations.”
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from gender-based discrimination in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance. The landmark legislation paved the way for women’s collegiate athletics to grow exponentially in the 1980s and 1990s and has been a key catalyst in the growing popularity of women’s basketball.
