Jason Collins ’97 is featured in an exhibit in the National African-American Museum recognizing his bravery in becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in any of America’s four major professional sports.

Collins played in the NBA for thirteen seasons before retiring in 2014. A jersey signed by his teammates is featured in the exhibit, as well as photographs.

The National African-American Museum is the first museum exclusively devoted to African-American culture and history. It currently posses 36,000 artifacts, including historical documents and photographs.

Parents’ Activities Liaison Portia Collins (Jason ’97, Jarron ’97) discovered the exhibit when her son Jarron Collins ’97, who is the Assistant Coach for the Golden State Warriors, visited the museum. She said that she is proud of her son for his accomplishments and that she is happy that he is featured in the exhibit.

“It means a great deal to our family for our son to be included in the National African-American Museum alongside the countless efforts of many African-Americans who have made significant contributions to our American History,” Collins said. “Indeed, we are looking forward to seeing the exhibit of our son as well as the entire museum on our next trip to Washington D.C. ”