The National Allance of African American Athletes was founded in 1989. The vision of The Alliance is to be the preeminent organization helping youth achieve academic excellence and reach their highest potential. The mission of The Alliance is to uplift and mentor youth, focusing on African American males, through programs that prepare students for college; leveraging athletes as catalysts to inspire leadership, while recognizing and rewarding academic, athletic, and community excellence.
The Alliance welcomes corporations, organizations, educators, administrators, current or retired athletes, parents or guardians of current, former and future athletes, as well as their supporters; to share in our quest to support the development of the total person through our programs. Watch our Alliance video to learn more!
Since 1992 The Alliance has presented The Watkins Award to promote academic excellence among young African-American males. The Watkins Award has become the preeminent award bestowed on the top High School Scholar Athlete in the Nation. The finalists are chosen based on their:
- Unweighted grade point average
- Their personal statements
- Extra-curricular activities
- Community service
- Letters of recommendation
Former finalists include:
- Robert Tate of the Arizona Cardinals
- Shane Battier of the Houston Rockets
- Darnell Dinkins of the New Orleans Saints
- Grant Irons and Ronald Curry of the Oakland Raiders
- Ted Ginn Jr. of the Miami Dolphins
- 2008 Rhodes Scholar, Myron Rolle of Florida State University
- Justin Blalock, Atlanta Falcons
- Darius Walker, Houston Texans
- Lorenzo Alexander, Washington Redskins
- Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns
- Daryl Richard, New England Patriots
- Gerald McCoy , Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Ben Tate, Houston Texans
- Arrelious Benn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Other Alliance programs include the Watkins Teen Summit, held during the same weekend as the Watkins Award, and the S.A.T. Scrimmage, which helps prepare students to take the college admissions Scholastic Aptitude Test.
