WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rutgers gymnastics head coach Umme Salim-Beasley joined Rep. Emilia Sykes' presentation at the 52nd annual Legislative Conference for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. Salim-Beasley served as a panelist during the session "Beyond the Beam: Exploring Public Policy Solutions for Black Women and Girls in Gymnastics.
 
Salim-Beasley spoke as part of an esteemed panel including political analyst Zerlina Maxwell, U.S. Gymnastics Hall of Fame inductee Wendy Hilliard, Fisk University head coach Corrinne Tarver, U.S. Gymnastics board member Lois Elizabeth Bingham, and Fisk student-athlete Morgan Price.
 
The first Black rhythmic gymnast to represent the United States, Salim-Beasley spoke on representation and diversity playing a crucial role in inspiring the next generation. She has been at the forefront of catalyzing positive transformations in young gymnasts of color, impacting aspirations and self-confidence as they see role models achieving greatness in the sport.
 
The panel set out to inspire collaboration in leveraging public policy to promote increased awareness of gymnastics among Black girls, ensuring that they see the sport as a viable and welcoming option. The collegiate level presents a critical juncture for athletes to thrive and continue their gymnastics journey. Salim-Beasley played a crucial role in pushing for historically black college or university (HBCU) gymnastics, envisioning public policy playing a role in supporting and expanding opportunities for Black women in gymnastics at the collegiate level.
 
Heading into her sixth season at the helm of Rutgers gymnastics, Salim-Beasley is an NCAA Northeast Regional Coach of the Year and brings 15 years of coaching experience into the 2024 season. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Co-Chair of the NCAA Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, Rutgers Athletics representative to the Big Ten Conference Stand Against Hate Committee, Committee member for the Rutgers Athletics Racial Justice Task Force, and a Member of the ABIS (Association for Blacks in Sport).
 
Rutgers welcomed Fisk University to Piscataway on Honoring Black Excellence Night, the first meet of Black History Month on Feb. 3, 2023. Fisk made history last season by becoming the first HBCU to sponsor women's gymnastics. In 2024, the Scarlet Knights will travel to the Fisk Invitational on Jan. 15.
 
 
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