Then, Now and Always: Honoring the Syracuse 8

David and Autumn Figueroa lead a conversation on legacy and impact

A powerful panel honored the legacy of the Syracuse 8 in New York, with David alongside Autumn Figueroa moderating the conversation. The discussion featured members Greg Allen, Abdullah Alif Muhammad, and John Lobon, along with Alexander Tsemberis, Donald Conley, and Amir George, exploring the enduring impact of the Syracuse 8 on social justice, sports, and higher education.

In 1970, eight Black student-athletes at Syracuse University took a courageous stand, boycotting the football team to challenge institutional racism — a decision that came at great personal cost but left a lasting mark on the university’s history. The evening highlighted how their legacy continues to inspire, with proceeds benefiting scholarships on campus.