FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas gymnasts Leah Smith and Frankie Price are two of the founders of the Arkansas Black Leadership Athletic Committee. They started the organization after attending a Black student-athlete conference in Houston two years ago.
"I've always been one to like, really care about activism. I just wanted to bring that back to and bring everybody together as a community," said junior gymnast Leah.
"I think being founders we've really gotten to just connect with those even outside of campus," Frankie said.
Only 8% of D1 female gymnasts are Black. The two Gymbacks know that they are setting an example for young gymnasts around the country.
"It's a really big deal. I think young gymnasts look at our team and they're looking for someone that looks like them. It matters to them to be a role model and to be a representation within this program and university," described head coach Jordyn Wieber.
"I like to use my platform and show little Black gymnasts that look like me that they can do it too! I remember watching Gabby Douglas and I was like that's crazy that she won and she looks like me," Leah explained.
"I mean to me it's kind of like making a statement. We get the opportunity to highlight on our black culture when we get the chance, " Frankie added.
Gymnastics has been a growing sport amongst the Black community. Last year, Fisk University in Nashville became the first Historically Black College and University to add a women's gymnastics team— and Frankie's sister Morgan is actually on that team.
This year, Talladega College in Alabama became the second HBCU to add a women's gymnastics team.
Social media has also been huge in giving Black college gymnasts exposure. Lots of them have had floor routines go viral with millions of views. Frankie Price is a member of that club.
"I get to represent my culture and who I am," he said.
"I want to show that you can do big things in college while also using your voice and standing up for certain things," Leah added.