CWU to host former Seahawk Shaquem Griffin on Thursday

Central Washington University will welcome former Seattle Seahawks player Shaquem Griffin to campus Thursday, February 13, to share his inspirational story about how he overcame a lifelong disability to earn his place in the National Football League.

The 7 p.m. speaking engagement is part of CWU’s Black History Month celebration and is co-sponsored by the Yakima Rotary Club, the Opportunities Industrialization Centers (OIC) of Washington, and Eric Silvers State Farm Insurance.

The event will be held in the SURC Ballroom, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. No tickets or RSVP are required.

Griffin’s visit to Central Washington will begin with an appearance at the Yakima Rotary luncheon on Wednesday. He will then meet with young leaders of color at the OIC of Washington headquarters in the afternoon before attending a dinner event at the Henry Beauchamp Community Center.

Griffin, 29, overcame the loss of his left hand when he was a child to become a fifth-round draft pick by the Seahawks in 2018. The University of Central Florida graduate was born with amniotic band syndrome, which affected the development of his hand and resulted in a surgical amputation when he was 4 years old. He became the first-ever one-handed player in the NFL and won the league’s Game Changer award during his rookie season.

Griffin now works as a consultant for the NFL Legends Community, which helps former professional football players understand the many benefits and resources available to them. He also works as a public speaker, delivering motivational speeches to colleges, Fortune 500 companies, and football programs.

CWU is sponsoring a number of other Black History Month events throughout February. Members of the CWU and Ellensburg communities are encouraged to attend the following:

• Saturday, February 15 — Crimson and Black Ball, a formal gala hosted by the DEC and BSU; 6-8 p.m.; SURC Ballroom
• Tuesday, February 18 — Black History Month exhibit: “Black Americans and Labor”; all day; SURC 137. Exhibit will be on display through Friday, February 21.
• Wednesday, February 19 — Soul Music Takeover; 1-2 p.m.; SURC Pit
• Thursday, February 20 — Black Caucus. BSU welcomes Black students to share their voices and experiences; 5-7 p.m.; SURC Ballroom
• Wednesday, February 26 — Soul Music Takeover; 1-2 p.m.; SURC Pit
• Thursday, February 27 — Taste of Soul dinner with CWU Dining Services; 5-8 p.m.; Holmes Dining.
• Thursday, February 27 — "Sista's of Neo Soul” radio program on 88.1 The Burg, featuring VP of Equity and Belonging Dr. Charlita Shelton; 1-2 p.m.

If you would like more information about these events, email diversity@cwu.edu or visit the DEC's Instagram and Facebook pages.