A FLY PROF. SHORT-THE RISE SOCIETY AFFAIR (SUPPORTING WOMEN IN SPORT)

By Professor Earl N. Caldwell, II

Welcome to Global Conversations With The Fly Prof. In this edition, I am introducing A Fly Prof. Short. These shorter features will provide readers with behind-the-interview insights, updates, “what’s happening now,” noteworthy events and activities, or additional perspective on individuals I have previously interviewed. The accomplished women and men featured in Global Conversations With The Fly Prof. generously shared their journeys, experiences, and professional insights. However, there is never enough space in a single article to fully capture the depth of their work and impact. A Fly Prof. Short is designed to continue those conversations by offering readers additional glimpses into the innovative, accomplished, and successful individuals they have already met.

A Fly Prof. Short may also introduce someone or something new that I believe readers will find interesting, insightful, and worthy of exploration. In this first edition of A Fly Prof. Short, you will read about an event organized primarily by one of the sisters of Attorney Kristina Minor, who was featured in April’s Global Conversations With The Fly Prof.,and learn an interesting tidbit about Kristina’s other sister.

Thursday May 28, 2026, 6pm-10pm 167 N. Green Street Chicago, Illinois

The Rise Society Affair is hosted by Jasmine Minor, ABC 7 Chicago’s three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, and a member of the only family in history with three Black women to compete in Division 1 collegiate tennis and supports the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund in partnership with the USTA Midwest Tennis & Education Foundation. The event transforms Chicago into the elegance of Centre Court, uniting leaders around one powerful belief: “Support women in sport. Win the future.

The Rise Society Affair will feature Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America, Peabody Award recipient, The New York Times bestselling author, and inductee of the Women’s Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. The evening will include:

A Grand Red-Carpet Arrival
A Cocktail Welcome Reception
A Curated Fashion Experience
An Intimate Fireside Conversation With Robin Roberts
Stories From Young Athletes the Rise Society Affair Supports

Robin Roberts Co-Host Good Morning America

Kevin Minor Legacy Fund

Kevin Minor was a pillar of the Chicago tennis community, dedicating his life to advocating for children and helping families navigate the junior tennis landscape. His service extended far beyond the USTA, impacting dozens of families through his mentorship, guidance, and unwavering commitment to youth development through sports.

Following Kevin’s passing on May 17, 2022, his family came together to preserve and honor his legacy by establishing the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund. Helping ease the financial burden associated with junior tennis is something the Minor family knows Kevin would have deeply valued, as he understood firsthand the challenges many families face in supporting young athletes.

The family’s vision is for the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund to continue growing into a long-term endowment that creates lasting opportunities for future generations. They also hope to establish an annual girls’ tennis tournament and benefit event that not only raises additional scholarship funds, but also celebrates Kevin’s lifelong dedication to youth, mentorship, and the sport he loved.

Attorney Kristina Minor, Jasmine Minor, Kevin Minor and Brienne Minor

The Minor Sisters-Kristina, Brienne and Jasmine represent the only family in history with three Black women who competed in collegiate Division 1 tennis. Brienne won the NCAA Division I Women’s Tennis Championships in 2017, becoming the first Black woman to win the singles title.

For more information about the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund: https://www.theminorlegacy.com/kevinminor

For more information about the Rise Society Affair:
https://luma.com/theriseaffair

If you are in Chicago on May 28, 2026, and would like to enjoy a good time with good company for a good cause, the Rise Society Affair and the Minor sisters hope you will consider spending part of your evening with them.

If you have comments, suggestions, or ideas for future topics or individuals to feature in the upcoming editions of Global Conversations, I’d love to hear from you.