Joshua Brown, “JB”, a senior point guard on the basketball team at UMD, decided to take matters into his own hands. Fueled by the desire for better communication and representation, JB spearheaded the creation of the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council (DEI). 

With a mission to foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture on campus and throughout the community, JB and the council of student-athletes are determined to make a lasting impact. From organizing clothing drives to being role models for the youth, the DEI council is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future at UMD.

In the summer of 2022, he was put on the athletic director advisory committee along with seven other student-athletes to help select one of the candidates for the athletic director position. Forrest Karr was one of those candidates who stuck out to JB. Because of this, an opportunity arose for them to collaborate and create the DEI Council.

The council comprises many student-athletes who attend UMD. The president is Joshua Brown who plays on the men’s basketball team, alongside vice president is Clara Van Wieren, who plays women’s hockey. The treasurer is Blake Biondi, men’s hockey. The social media coordinator is Taytum Rhodes, women’s basketball. The secretary is Elle Potts, softball.

The DEI’s mission statement is the following:

“As a group, is to foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture on campus and throughout the community by striving to ensure that the voices of all Bulldog student-athletes are heard.”

Being heard was one of the main reasons JB felt the council should be created. 

“It felt like we didn’t have a chance to speak for ourselves as much as I would have liked,” JB said. 

They wanted to be able to have better communication between student-athletes and the administration. 

The DEI council has impacted the community by hosting a clothing drive. Last year, they donated to local schools and kids needing hats, gloves, or clothes. They want to be able to provide as much as they can. 

“It takes one worry off their list of many things they might be worried about,” JB said.

The council prides themselves on being exemplary leaders in our community. 

“We want to provide and set a positive example for everybody around us, whether our peers, our coaches, or the kids in the community who look up to us and watch us play in our sporting events,” he said.

Basketball has given JB a better sense of leadership that helps guide him as the council president.

“Basketball positively helps me out with the council setting by having my team to support me and, as a student-athlete, collaborating with other student-athletes, is something that basketball has taught me throughout my life, being able to collaborate and work well with others.”

JB's mom is from Omaha and his dad is from Cleveland. He grew up in Minneapolis and has a brother who is two years older than him. He grew up learning that paying it forward and volunteering time is important. His dad and his close friends have the Jason P. Wallace Foundation, where they did toys for tots every year. His mom was always around volunteering. 

“In my elementary years, she would be there volunteering her time around the school with myself and my brother's classes,” JB said.

His goal of being able to help the community is crucial to him.

“One principle I live by is paying it forward and giving back,” he said. “And this allows me an opportunity up here in Duluth to give back and pay it forward to the future and whoever comes up after us.” 

This has helped JB’s character and given him a sense of accomplishment.

“It’s provided me with an opportunity for leadership, which has shaped me and helped me in terms of on the court as well as leadership off-the-court leadership, and just developing myself,” JB said.

His experience as a basketball player has instilled in him a sense of leadership that guides him as the council president, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and effective communication.

Justin Wieck is the head coach for the Men’s UMD Basketball team. When asked about JB, Weick said: “He is always interacting with the youth.”

He explained that JB enjoys being a role model and having a good relationship with his kids. 

“He’s always messing with my son, and they banter back and forth like crazy, and even my daughter is involved,” Wieck said.

Cole Lahti, a teammate of JB’s, said that JB is positive, passionate and helpful. 

“He is always putting a smile on my face.” 

He continued to say that JB tries to make everyone around him better. 

“It’s the little things that he does that I appreciate,” Lathi said. He said that at practice, from time to time, JB will squirt the water bottle at him or try and tease him by saying “Don’t miss” while he is shooting. This is JB’s way of helping with the mental side of the game while creating a strong teammate relationship. 

JB's initiative to create the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council (DEI) at UMD demonstrates his passion for better communication and representation. Through his involvement in the DEI council, JB has found a way to pay it forward and make a positive difference in the lives of others. His leadership and dedication are recognized by his teammates, coaches and the community. 

With the DEI council, JB and his fellow student-athletes aim to be exemplary leaders and set a positive example for their peers, coaches and the youth who look up to them. By striving for inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging, the DEI council is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future at UMD and beyond.