A Student-Athlete's Perspective: Roy Collins

Yale football player Roy Collins started all 10 games his senior season at right tackle for the Bulldogs. He was awarded the Ted Turner Award as the team's top offensive lineman in 2012.

1. When you think of the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in our country, what jumps out in your mind?
Collins: Whenever I think about the history and accomplishments of African-Americans in our country, my first thought goes to the Civil Rights Movement and all of the social change that has transpired since America was captivated by activists such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and many others. My family has always impressed upon me the important contributions made to this country by black inventors, musicians and political figures. There have definitely been times in the past where African-Americans have not always received the credit they deserve when it comes to these contributions, so preserving their legacy through actively trying to learn about these people's lives and accomplishments has always been important.

2. What do you enjoy and what are the challenges in your current experiences as an African-American student-athlete on an Ivy League campus?
Collins: I enjoy being an African-American student-athlete on an Ivy League campus because the student body is very forward thinking. Whether it’s my teammates or non-athlete classmates, I generally feel like people are open to judge me based more on my personality than my skin color.
The biggest challenge as an African-American on an Ivy League campus is that I am a representative of my race at all times in a way that non-minorities aren’t. I always have to be wary of the generalizations and stereotypes associated with black people. In a city such as New Haven, Conn., it’s especially strange being caught in the middle between the stark contrast of an Ivy League school and a poverty-ridden city with a high black population.

3. As you reflect on Black History month, talk about one person who has influenced your life and why?
Collins: My grandfather influenced me most in relation to Black History month. He was a self-made man who came from humble beginnings in rural Texas to become a PhD level economist and a successful businessman. He accomplished all of this in the face of discrimination and oppression that comes with living in a time period of America where it’s hard for minorities to succeed. My grandfather was successful and intelligent and was an advocate for equal rights and social change, which is why he has most influenced me.

4. What do you feel is your role in being a leader or role model as African-American student-athlete on your campus and in your communities both at school and at home?
Collins: I feel that my role as an African-American student-athlete leader is to continue to represent my race in a positive light. The reality of being a leader of color is that my actions reflect upon other African-Americans, so my choices impact more than just me singularly. As a leader, I have always felt the need to reach out to those student-athletes who are underclassman as upperclassman reached out to me when I was in their shoes. It’s important, under that notion, that younger student-athletes are aware that they are supported and are going through the same challenges older student-athletes have gone through.

5. Projecting forward, what is one thing you would like to achieve or be part of once you graduate to advance the African-American ideal for future generations?
Collins: Growing up, I often read books about the contributions to our country made by black inventors, musicians and political figures. One day I would like there to be a narrative about myself and some great contribution I gave to all of America.