Akil Patterson

Akil Patterson
Born (1983-01-01) January 1, 1983 (age 41)
Buffalo, New York
EducationUniversity of Maryland, College Park California University of Pennsylvania Washington University in St. Louis
Occupation(s)Youth Programs Coordinator, Athlete Ally & Community Organizer, Sugar Free Kids

Akil Sadiki Patterson (born January 1, 1983) is an American former college football player and former wrestler, and advocate for LGBT athletes.

Early life

Patterson attended Frederick High School, Maryland. He attended the University of Maryland, but left in 2003. He attended the California University of Pennsylvania. In 2006, he graduated with a B.S. in Sports Management.[1][2][3]

Post-graduation

Patterson came from a wrestling family. He began training as a Greco-Roman wrestler and joined the Terrapins wrestling team at the University of Maryland as a volunteer coach.[4] He led the Terrapin Wrestling Club, which trains young athletes.[5]

In 2020, Mr. Patterson ran in the 13th district for the Baltimore City Council, but was unsuccessful.[6]

Patterson is the community affairs coordinator at Athlete Ally.[5][7][8][9]

In 2022, Patterson became a Social Equity and Economic Development manager.[10]

Professional recognition

Patterson has been featured in The Advocate's 40 under 40 issue.[9]

References

  1. ^ "Making sports gay-friendly for athletes". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  2. ^ "My double life as a gay athlete – Akil Patterson – LGBT Sports Issue". Washington Blade: Gay News, Politics, LGBT Rights. August 28, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  3. ^ Baltimore Sun (July 9, 2011). "Gay athlete: After coming out, former Maryland player feels he has a second chance – Baltimore Sun". baltimoresun.com. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  4. ^ "Maryland Wrestler Seeks Spot On 2012 Olympic Team - CBS Baltimore". www.cbsnews.com. July 29, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  5. ^ a b "Voice To Voice: Akil Patterson And D'Qwell Jackson Discuss Being An LGBT Ally". The Huffington Post. August 19, 2013. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  6. ^ "2020 Election Results". elections.maryland.gov. Retrieved June 20, 2023.
  7. ^ "Voice To Voice: Kevin Anderson And Akil Patterson". The Huffington Post. January 11, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  8. ^ "Akil Patterson". You Can Play. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  9. ^ a b "Forty Under 40: Part Two". The Advocate. April 13, 2011. Retrieved April 20, 2015.
  10. ^ "The First SEED Initiatives Coordinator". Portland.gov. March 8, 2022. Retrieved May 31, 2024.

External links

  • Official website