Rice University Athletics
Rice Athletics Hosts First-Ever MLK Jr. Day Educational Trip to Galveston
2/9/2026 7:39:00 PM | General, R Association
Second annual MLK Day trip
HOUSTON — Rice Athletics hosted its second annual MLK Jr. Day Educational Trip, as student-athletes and department members celebrated the holiday on January 19 with an immersive Black history tour of Galveston Island.
"Although he's no longer with us, Dr. King's impact and legacy remain strong today," Davon Robb, Senior Associate AD of Competitive Excellence, said. "The MLK Jr. Day Educational Trip not only displays our commitment to learning but also to uniting over our commonalities and celebrating the differences that make each of us unique."
Rice Historian Dr. Portia Hopkins provided historical context throughout the journey, while Samuel Collins III — widely known as "Professor Juneteenth" led the tour. Collins led participants through significant landmarks, stories, and figures central to Galveston's pivotal role in emancipation, Juneteenth, and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
Highlights of the visit included a stop at the world's largest Juneteenth mural, a powerful celebration of freedom and resilience, followed by a community meal at local soul food establishment Soul to Soul Bar & Grill.
This year's day trip expanded the initiative beyond last year's inaugural Houston-based tour to further explore the roots and impact of Black history across Texas.
This annual trip underscores the importance of remembering and honoring Texas history, reflects on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and inspires student-athletes and staff to take meaningful action in support of their communities. Rice Athletics remains committed to fostering education, unity, and a culture of belonging for all Owls.
"Although he's no longer with us, Dr. King's impact and legacy remain strong today," Davon Robb, Senior Associate AD of Competitive Excellence, said. "The MLK Jr. Day Educational Trip not only displays our commitment to learning but also to uniting over our commonalities and celebrating the differences that make each of us unique."
Rice Historian Dr. Portia Hopkins provided historical context throughout the journey, while Samuel Collins III — widely known as "Professor Juneteenth" led the tour. Collins led participants through significant landmarks, stories, and figures central to Galveston's pivotal role in emancipation, Juneteenth, and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
Highlights of the visit included a stop at the world's largest Juneteenth mural, a powerful celebration of freedom and resilience, followed by a community meal at local soul food establishment Soul to Soul Bar & Grill.
This year's day trip expanded the initiative beyond last year's inaugural Houston-based tour to further explore the roots and impact of Black history across Texas.
This annual trip underscores the importance of remembering and honoring Texas history, reflects on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and inspires student-athletes and staff to take meaningful action in support of their communities. Rice Athletics remains committed to fostering education, unity, and a culture of belonging for all Owls.
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