Shamare G. Holmes is the Director of Community Relations for the Connecticut Sun and is in her second year with the Sun. She is a Connecticut native from Bridgeport and went to University of New Haven and University of Bridgeport where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications/PR and a master’s degree in public administration respectively. Shamare is the heart and soul of community, consistently reminding everyone that the youth is the future and doing everything in her power to support local youth with the backing of the Sun. Read more below about Shamare’s journey and how Black History Month has impacted her:

What was your path prior to working for the Sun?

“After 12 years in community and youth development, I wanted to explore what working in professional sports (in the capacity of community relations) could look like for me. I never knew roles like this existed until I was afforded the opportunity to bring two busloads of my students to a game in the 2024 season. It was transformative not only for me but for the girls I mentored who had lived in Connecticut all their lives and had never been to a professional sports event. I was hired by Morgan Tuck and look forward to paying it forward as she is the epitome of a phenomenal leader.”

This year's Black History Month theme is "A Century of Black History Commemorations," celebrating the 100th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month. When you think of Black History Month, what comes to mind?

“When I think of Black History Month, I think of how essential Black people are to the very existence and livelihoods of people today.  Black people have ruled nations, disrupted unjust systems, and spearheaded the most notable movements in history. From inventors to Nobel Peace Prize recipients, Black people have led the charge in how we navigate life even when we’re not given our due credit or justice. Despite it all, Black History Month is a family reunion. It’s an ode to our ancestors and nod to Black people today who are creating history daily. We earned this and quite frankly; a month isn’t nearly enough...but it’s a start.” 

What does legacy mean to you?

“Legacy is infinite and lasts well beyond the time I will have lived on earth.  Legacy speaks on your behalf when you are no longer around to stand in the gap. Your legacy is a thank you note to the ancestors and estate to the generations to come. It's currency and should be managed well.”

What legacy do you want to leave?

“I want to leave a legacy of integrity, light, and love. I want people to remember me as being a servant leader who was fair and empathetic but also relentless in the fight against injustice and inequity. I want people to remember my efforts in educating, exposing, and empowering our Black and underprivileged youth and families to brighter and healthier alternatives even when society deems them unworthy and systems are established to make resources inaccessible. I want my legacy to be one of innovation, resilience, and constant learning. My legacy should reflect that I was led by God.”

What is your favorite Black History Month memory?

“I was in a Black History Month program in elementary school and was assigned Garrett Morgan who invented the traffic light. My teacher made me a traffic light costume, and I made up a song to sing when it was my turn, ‘Red means stop, green means go, these are the things we need to know.”

How do you hope Black History Month continues to be celebrated?

“I hope the celebration of Black History isn't just confined to February. Black History should be celebrated daily. Black History is continuing the fight against all things anti Black until injustice and inequality is a figment of our imagination.”

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