Scoonie Penn knew he wanted Ohio State’s basketball program to do something in February for Black History Month.
He just wasn’t quite sure what would best serve the team, along with the general public.
As Penn began to brainstorm ideas during his son’s birthday dinner with his daughter and niece on Jan. 27, the group considered the possibility of the Buckeyes honoring Barack Obama, Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson and other famous African-Americans who broke through racial barriers.
“But then, you know, we realized we're at an academic institution and black people have contributed so much to society that doesn't get recognized,” Penn told Eleven Warriors on Thursday.