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The WNBA’s Atlanta Dream and the United States Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, visited with young women at the Martin Luther King Recreation and Aquatic Center to celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of Title IX, and talk about how opportunities for girls have expanded since its implementation and what needs to be done to continue progress for women and girls in the future.

Atlanta Dream guard Erica Wheeler and team president Morgan Shaw Parker were invited to participate in the event, alongside Atlanta Mayor Andrew Dickens, Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lisa Herring, Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center Manager Nigel Murphy and Atlanta Influences Everything founder and CEO Bem Joiner.

“In no small part because of Title IX, our young women and girls can be anything they want to be,” said Secretary Cardona. “You can study anything you want to study. And you have the right to pursue your dreams. And that’s a good thing for young women and girls and young men and boys! The first 50 years of Title IX made our country more just and more equitable. Let’s work together to make sure the next 50 years are just as transformational!”

“It is important for us to recognize how far we’ve come in the last 50 years since Title IX was implemented, but also how far we need to go” said Atlanta Dream team president Morgan Shaw Parker. “The Atlanta Dream is committed to providing opportunities and paving the way for women and girls in sport at the ground level, as well as providing resources for these professional athletes who continue to serve as inspiration for the next generation.”

During the discussion, 20 girls from the Atlanta Girls Leadership Academy participated in a Title IX and Leadership learning activity, where they were asked for their insight on gender equity in sports. The Dream provided tickets and transportation to Tuesday night’s game after the event, where the girls watched the Dream defeat the Dallas Wings at Gateway Center Arena in College Park.

This event is just one of the many ways the Dream is continues to partner with The King Center, and other Atlanta non-profits and businesses to help honor Dr. King’s values by bringing communities together.

About the Atlanta Dream

The Atlanta Dream is a professional women’s basketball team based in Atlanta, Ga. that strives to build a place where our team, our fans and our city come together to represent the community we seek to serve. We enter our 15th year in 2022 with new ownership, new leadership, and a commitment to building the best franchise in the WNBA. We celebrate diversity, represent Atlanta, reward innovation and imagination, and aim to empower women both on and off the court. The team currently plays home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park and has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 14 seasons. To learn more about the Dream and purchase 2022 season tickets, mini plans and single game tickets, please visit www.dreamelitemembership.com or call 877-977-7729.