Jevon Holland

Story by Shyann Montgomery

Many have come to know 20-year-old Jevon Holland as a leader who speaks his mind against the social injustices in his community. On May 29, 2020 the University of Oregon released a message about George Floyd’s death and suggesting what UO could do to combat racial inequality and break the barriers of injustice. A week later on June 3rd Holland used his platform, as a person of influence and took to Twitter (@HollywoodVon) to discuss the racist views of Matthew Deady, whom one of the oldest buildings on campus was named after.

The UO football player says he had enough and demanded in his tweet that his school should “Start by changing the name of Deady Hall. Who’s named after Matthew Deady. President of the Oregon Constitutional Convention of 1857. He advocated for discrimination against Chinese and Black immigrants, as well as in favor for Slavery In Oregon.”

In 2016, the Black Student Task Force sought to have the building's name changed but unfortunately the request was denied. Holland was taken aback by this discovery and said it was quite disturbing to many black UO students and himself.

“Personally being an athlete now means even more than it did before. We are people that kids look up to...who they want to be like. So, being an example for them, exemplifying leadership, and speaking up for what is right is really important...we [are becoming] better. Three years ago they might have said no and now they are trying,” Holland explained.

Jevon Holland helped to spark a discussion that led to the university board to have a meeting about the merit of Matthew Deady and his presence on campus. The board's decision led to his name removal. As of today, Deady Hall is now proudly named University Hall.

Holland used his position and platform to speak out on the field and off the field. He also took part in “We Are United” an effort to improve equity and fair treatment of PAC-12 football players, led by the players themselves. Holland is one of the many professional BIPOC athletes who are spreading awareness about the importance of black lives and the black vote.

“There is this implication that when you are a student-athlete [you can’t] really speak up about these problems, “ said Holland “[You start to think] I don’t want to mess anything up. But I just don’t feel comfortable with that. If it’s not right then it’s obviously wrong and it should be changed.”

People are protesting around the world and it is not just about flags being disrespected or wages-- it is about much more. Black people are being dehumanized and targeted across the country. All because of the color of their skin.

Holland states he is just getting started in his path of social activism and has gotten a lot of feedback about his activism choices and outspoken behavior since he started playing football for the University of Oregon. Holland expressed to NABJ a strong attitude in advocating for what is fair and what is just.

“I like to come to a compromise and have a conversation to educate or have [others] educate me and I feel like that wasn’t very clear. People think I may just try to attack authority at every turn--- I don’t think that is the case.”

In addition to his activism, Holland has shown promise as a cornerback on the UO football team and has high hopes for the 2021 NFL draft. In September, Holland announced on Twitter that while he supports and loves his fellow Ducks he like many others would be opting out of the 2020 football season. Holland plans to practice hard to prepare for the next step-- a career in football.

“I expect myself to come in there and become first a great player and second I wanna be known as a great leader” Holland says while grinning “I’m going to have 20 year vets and rookies like I am....I just want to take in all [the] information and help myself and my family grow... And without a doubt, I just want to enjoy my time there most of all truly living my dream.”

One of the many things he will take away from his time at the U of O is the memories he has with the team and the Autzen Stadium atmosphere.

“I know a lot of other universities don’t have a lot of school spirit and support but the university of Oregon is like fully into it and I love it... the noise, the energy, and excitement from everybody at Autzen are one of the best football experiences here that I have ever had,” Holland concluded.

Photos by: Scott Boldt Photo