African American Coaches Day is celebrated every first Tuesday of February in the United States. This year it falls on February 4. This day addresses the need for the black community to embrace coaching to help spur business and personal development. Although its history isn’t documented, the significant day trashes baseless stereotypes throughout history that African Americans aren’t “good enough.” A mere scan through history books clearly shows they undeniably sit amongst the world’s most brilliant minds with super impressive accomplishments — hence the reason there are a ton of scholarships available for Black students. Picture Fritz Pollard: N.F.L.’s First African American Head Coach; Brooklyn Dodgers’ Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play major league baseball, and many more.
History of African American Coaches Day
In the 15th century, the word ‘Coach’ was derived from the Hungarian word ‘kocsi’, the shortened form of ‘Koczi szeter,’ translated ‘wagon of Kocs.’ It was a large comfortable four-wheeled carriage made by an unknown carriage maker from the village of Kocs, Komárom-Esztergom county, Hungary. But, records have it, its usage later spread to the French ‘coche’ and German ‘kotsche.’
The 18th century saw the word starting to be associated with humans. Although ‘Coach’ is closely associated with sports, in 1830, the first use of the term ‘coach’ in connection with education was in Oxford University, England. Then, it was slang referring to tutors who “carry” students through their goal of passing examinations. By the late ‘80s the word ‘Coaching,’ meaning to educate, inform, challenge, and encourage, had become widespread across various spheres: academia, sports, and entertainment.
The late 1990s formally ushered in life coaching as a profession that grew throughout the 2000s. Life coaching is a type of tutoring that mentors people to achieve progress in attaining set goals and fulfillment. Life coaching today spreads across career, finance, relationship, work-life balance, relationships, and more.
Some of the world’s famous life coaches are life and business strategist, and New York Times best-selling author Tony Robbins, bestselling author and coach Nicole Montez, and bestselling author Martha Beck known as “Oprah Winfrey’s life coach” to name but a few.
African American Coaches Day timeline
Initially used to describe a horse-drawn vehicle, its meaning changes in the Oxford University as a slang word referring to the significant role of tutors who help "carry" students to achieve their goals.
In sporting circles, it is used to reference a teacher who helped an athlete improve and find greatness.
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” is published and becomes a best-seller.
Evidence showing coaching can transform lives beyond the sporting world is acknowledged.
Gallwey pens “Inner Game of Tennis: The Ultimate Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance”, a revolutionary book that lends focus on the battle with the self.
A nonprofit organization dedicated to professional coaching is founded by Thomas J. Leonard.
The mobile-based leadership development platform helps bring personalized, expert coaching to employees at all levels.
On May 6, the International Coach Federation launches its inaugural International Coaching Day celebration as part of its 25th anniversary.
African American Coaches Day FAQs
What is coaching?
Coaching is the process of an experienced person helping an individual take charge of their life, providing training, guidance, and encouragement.
What are the benefits of coaching?
It helps develop skills, boosts self-confidence, creates clarity as well as caters to general wellbeing.
Who is a coach?
An individual that is well skilled in a particular area, and is dedicated to helping others maximize their potential, thereby securing the future.
African American Coaches Day Activities
Coach someone
A thriving society can only stem from empowered roots. Experienced in a certain area? Take up the challenge for just the day and impact your world.
Become your best version
Rise to the challenge of a better you. Empower yourself with knowledge, embrace positivity, and keep going.
Show support
For sports lovers, this provides the perfect opportunity to support your team. It works wonders and a little support goes a long way.
5 Important Facts About Coaching
Highest-paid coach in the world
In 2021, Argentine professional football manager and former player Diego Simeone, dominated the list of highest-paid football managers with an impressive $130 million.
Life coaching studied in schools
Ivy League schools, including Harvard and Yale, added life coaching to their curricula.
$16.06 per hour average salary
In the United States, it is reported that a Career Coach earns an average of $16.06 per hour.
Coaching has transformed lives
From celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio to many other names, life-coaching has impacted lives.
Barriers shattered
American baseball player Jackie Robinson shatters barriers making history as the first African American of the modern era to become a Major League Baseball player in 1947.
Why We Love African American Coaches Day
Fosters decisive action towards set goals
Vision on set goals without working towards its actualization sums up to nothing. With African American Coaches Day, we are reminded to launch into action and become the best we can be.
Teaches Responsibility
With coaching, the reality that you can carve your world hits hard. Hence, this day reminds one to push harder, and increase skills and productivity.
Boost confidence
When we invest in ourselves, we become more confident in our abilities. This in turn helps boost our self-esteem, leading to a happier life.
African American Coaches Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 1 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | February 7 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | February 6 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | February 4 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 3 | Tuesday |
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