McLeod Takes Pride in Honoring Stephen Martin’s Legacy
Feb 26, 2020 | Football
NEW ORLEANS – Prior to his arrival to Tulane University in the fall of 2016, former Green Wave football player Keyshawn Mcleod had never heard of Stephen Martin.
Fast forward four years since Mcleod first stepped on campus and it's a safe bet that the Port Charlotte, Florida, native will never forget about Martin or his legacy, as the first student-athlete to break the color barrier in the Southeastern Conference.Â
Earlier this fall during the Green Wave's matchup with Connecticut, McLeod was one of two student-athletes recognized with the inaugural Stephen Martin Scholars award.
"It was an incredible blessing for me to be associated with his name," McLeod said. "Stephen Martin's name speaks for itself with what he has done and he is a huge part of Tulane history."
The Stephen Martin Scholars recognizes two Green Wave student-athletes annually as recipients of the award.
Recipients of the award must demonstrate the highest level of character and leadership skills while being academically driven and civic-minded.Â
"Earning this award meant a lot," McLeod said. "To be one of the first student-athletes selected for the award shows what my coaches and peers think of me and that means everything to me."
Since receiving the award in the fall, McLeod has taken it upon himself to learn more about Martin's legacy as a trailblazing student-athlete at Tulane.
"I will definitely use Stephen Martin's name as an example for younger kids, who are trying to be something great in life," McLeod said.
Through the assistance of the Stephen Martin Scholars program, McLeod is currently pursuing his master's degree in homeland security.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Stephen Martin," McLeod said. "It is because of him that I am able to play the game we all love. I am able to play the game without having to fear for my life. He led the way for every African American student-athlete who is playing in any sport today."
For more information on how to make a gift in honor of the Stephen Martin Scholars Award Program please visit GreenWaveClub.com or call the Green Wave Club at (504) 865-5356.
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