Blacklight on Sports
Blacklight on Sports
Podcast Description
Blacklight on Sports is a dynamic podcast hosted by veteran sports journalists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, shining a spotlight on the athletes, coaches, and stories that shape the Black sports experience. With deep historical knowledge and firsthand reporting, the hosts engage in insightful conversations about the impact of sports on Black communities, the challenges and triumphs of Black athletes, and the evolving landscape of diversity in sports media. Featuring interviews with key figures in athletics, the podcast provides critical analysis, historical context, and fresh perspectives on the intersection of race, sports, and culture.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on the intersection of race and sports, featuring themes like the challenges faced by Black athletes, diversity in sports media, and historical contributions of Black figures in athletics. Episodes include critical discussions on topics such as the role of mentorship in sports and the systemic barriers within the industry, exemplified by the insights shared by guests like Robert Finney.
Blacklight on Sports is a dynamic podcast hosted by veteran sports journalists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, shining a spotlight on the athletes, coaches, and stories that shape the Black sports experience. With deep historical knowledge and firsthand reporting, the hosts engage in insightful conversations about the impact of sports on Black communities, the challenges and triumphs of Black athletes, and the evolving landscape of diversity in sports media. Featuring interviews with key figures in athletics, the podcast provides critical analysis, historical context, and fresh perspectives on the intersection of race, sports, and culture.
This episode of Blacklight on Sports with hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE., features a Twin Cities basketball standout whose influence stretches well beyond the court.
From South Minneapolis to St. Paul
Robert Finney, a 1989 graduate of Minneapolis Washburn High School, was a three-time all-conference selection before continuing his career at Concordia University-St. Paul, where he again earned all-conference honors. But Finney’s contributions to the game didn’t stop at playing.
A Coach, Mentor and History Maker
From 1993 to 2000, Finney returned to Minnetonka High School to coach and became the school’s first Black head boys’ basketball coach. He also helped shape the Minnesota Elite AAU program, co-founding it alongside Crystal Flint, Robert Grace and Randy Carter. The program became a launching pad for young talent across the region.
Leading in the Boardroom
Today, Finney brings that same competitive spirit and strategic mindset to the tech industry. He currently leads a Revenue Enablement Team at Invoice Cloud, a financial services SaaS company based in Boston. His work in leadership and mentorship continues to reflect the values forged during his basketball journey.
Tune in for Leadership Lessons That Transcend the Game
In this episode, Finney reflects on what basketball has taught him about resilience, community impact and leading with purpose. From gym floors to corporate strategy meetings, he continues to break barriers and build bridges.
Executive Producer/CEO Publisher
Tracey Williams-Dillard
Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
3744 4th Ave South
Minneapolis MN 55409
612-827-4021
MSR Digital Studio
Ray Seville
Charles Hallman
MSR Sports Columnist
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE.
MSR Sports Columnist
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY
MINNESOTA SPOKESMAN-RECORDER 1934
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