The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Convocation Committee chose Holdsclaw because of her extraordinary journey from sports stardom to becoming a passionate advocate for mental health, said Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Anju Reejhsinghani, who serves as the committee chair.
"Chamique Holdsclaw inspires not only through her brilliant collegiate, Olympic, and professional career but also for the resilience and determination she demonstrates in confronting mental health challenges—her own and others'. Her call to center mental health as a fundamental right for all is one that resonated with our committee and makes her the perfect speaker for today's challenging times," Reejhsinghani said.
Reflecting on the ways her work and Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings intersect, Holdsclaw spoke of King's idea of the "inescapable network of mutuality," where the well-being of one affects the well-being of all.
"Similarly," she said, "I view mental health as a collective responsibility. Just as Dr. King fought for civil rights to create a more just and compassionate society, I advocate for mental health to be recognized as a fundamental human right. His call for love and understanding resonates with my mission to foster empathy, support, and healing for individuals navigating mental-health challenges."
Now in its 41st year, the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation at UC Santa Cruz has been a longstanding tradition, bringing together students, faculty, staff, and community members to celebrate the ideals of justice, equality, and community service. Past speakers have included chef, food justice activist, publisher, and author Bryant Terry; the late Nikki Giovanni, world-renowned poet, writer, commentator, and activist; Alicia Garza, co-creator of the viral hashtag and movement #BlackLivesMatter; and Benjamin Jealous, civil and human rights leader and former NAACP president.
About Chamique Holdsclaw
Hailed as the "female Michael Jordan," Holdsclaw was a basketball superstar with intense focus and determination on the court. From leading the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to three consecutive NCAA national championships under the guidance of legendary coach Pat Summitt, to earning Olympic gold, to excelling in the WNBA, her career exemplifies exceptional drive and dedication.
After her college basketball career, which included several All-American honors and countless other awards, Holdsclaw would go on to be the No. 1 pick in the 1999 WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics. Her rookie season was capped with a WNBA Rookie of the Year Award as well as her first of six WNBA All-Star appearances.
In 2000, she won an Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the Sydney Olympic Games.
And yet underneath, she was pushing down mental-health issues that eventually led to a mental and physical breakdown.
Holdsclaw suffered from serious bouts of depression and manic episodes; a suicide attempt; and an incident in Atlanta involving a firearm, for which she was sentenced to probation. After the episode in Georgia, she was finally open to getting help and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and severe anxiety.
After a long journey of learning to manage her illness, Holdsclaw has rebounded and regained her footing. But this time, she's dedicated her life's work to mental-health and wellness activism—sharing her own personal struggles with depression depicted in her documentary, Mind |Game: The Unquiet Journey of Chamique Holdsclaw, narrated by Glenn Close.
The decision to share her story openly came from understanding that her journey—both the highs and the struggles—has the power to help others feel less alone.
"For a long time, I felt the pressure to live up to the image of a strong, successful athlete," Holdsclaw said. "But behind the scenes, I was battling challenges with my mental health that I didn't know how to talk about. I realized that staying silent not only kept me in pain, but also missed an opportunity to make a difference."
Holdsclaw's mission is to reach communities where depression and bipolar disorder are seldom acknowledged: among professional athletes, Black Americans, and youth.
"I've seen how stigma, especially in communities of color, keeps people from reaching out for help, and I wanted to break that cycle," she said. "I wanted to show that no matter who you are or what you've accomplished, it's okay to struggle, and it's okay to seek support."
As a speaker, Holdsclaw gives inspiring talks that have helped many open up about their own or others' mental health issues. Holdsclaw says she wants to be "transparent, raw, and real to help as many people as I can."
She hopes convocation attendees walk away with a deeper understanding of the connection between mental health, social justice, and King's vision of equality and human dignity.
"Dr. King spoke of the 'fierce urgency of now,' and I want to emphasize that addressing mental health—especially in marginalized communities—is one of the most urgent civil rights issues of our time," Holdsclaw said. "I hope my story inspires attendees to recognize the power of vulnerability and connection in overcoming life's challenges."
The event is moving this year from its longtime venue of the Santa Cruz Civic Center to the larger Kaiser Permanente Arena. In addition to the keynote, there will be a musical performance by Gina René & Million 7. Local artist and basketball coach Lee Earl will emcee.
The evening's details are:
Time: 6:30–8 p.m.
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2025
Location: Kaiser Permanente Arena, 140 Front St., Santa Cruz
Cost: Free and open to the public
More information: MLK Jr. Memorial Convocation website
