Community, Sports, and History: Mark Sills on the Power of Giving Back in Delaware

Honoring Athletes, Preserving History, Empowering Futures

Delaware may be small in size, but its impact on sports history and community building is immense. The latest episode of “Out & About with Antionette” brings this vibrant legacy to life, featuring Mark Sills, President of the Delaware Afro American Sports Hall of Fame (DAASHOF). Sills shares his passion for history, his commitment to young people, and details about major upcoming events that promise to honor and inspire generations of Delawareans.

A Journey Rooted in Sports and Service

Mark Sills’ story is a testament to the power of sports to shape lives and communities. Growing up on Wilmington’s east side, sports provided him with opportunities and lifelong connections. From playing multiple sports to coaching basketball at Howard High School and organizing events for over 30 years, Sills’ dedication is evident. His appointment as president of DAASHOF came at the request of committee members seeking a forward-thinking leader, and five years later, he continues to move the organization in a positive direction always guided by a spirit of giving back instilled by his parents.

Giving Back: DAASHOF’s Impact on Youth and Community

The spirit of giving back is at the heart of DAASHOF. The organization’s mission extends beyond honoring athletic excellence—it empowers Delaware’s youth through scholarships and mentorship. The annual banquet, now entering its 27th year, serves as a fundraiser for college-bound students across Sussex, Kent, and New Castle counties. Over the years, the hall has provided more than $278,000 in scholarships, helping young people pursue higher education and realize their dreams. As Sills emphasizes, young people are the future, and supporting them is critical in a world where opportunities can be limited.

27th Annual Banquet: Honoring Excellence and Legacy

This year’s banquet, set for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Dover’s Modern Maturity Center, promises to be a spectacular evening of celebration and inspiration. Tickets are available for $60, featuring live entertainment by saxophonist Tony Smith and a roster of inductees whose achievements have shaped Delaware’s athletic landscape. Inductees include Dexter Boney, Robin Johnson, Arthur Turner, and Marvin Bell from New Castle County; Karen Burrows, Garcia Walker, James Pat Thornton, and Mike Ingram from Kent County; and John Ingram, William Billings, Donna Polk, and the late Bradford Waples from Sussex County.

Special recognition will be given to the 1980 and 1981 Indian River High School basketball teams, celebrating their historic back-to-back state championships. The event is also an opportunity to connect community members, alumni, and supporters in a shared celebration of excellence.

Preserving History: The Loockerman Hall Athletics Museum

In addition to DAASHOF’s annual festivities, Sills is leading another landmark project: the Delaware State University Loockerman Hall Athletics Museum. Scheduled for its grand opening on April 25 at Loockerman Hall, the museum will serve as a vital repository of Delaware State’s athletic history. Preserving artifacts, photos, awards, and memories, the museum aims to honor past achievements and inspire future generations. Alumni, faculty, and community members are invited to contribute memorabilia, ensuring the museum represents a broad spectrum of Delaware State’s legacy.

Looking Forward: Building a Legacy of Inclusion and Excellence

The Delaware Afro American Sports Hall of Fame was founded by visionary leaders who recognized the need to celebrate Black athletes overlooked by other institutions. Today, thanks to Sills and many others, DAASHOF continues to grow, ensuring that stories of perseverance, excellence, and community impact never fade.

Whether through scholarships, banquets, or museum projects, the organization’s work is as much about building community as it is about honoring achievements. Sills’ leadership reflects a commitment not only to sports fandom but to leaving a positive legacy—one that uplifts Delaware’s youth and preserves its rich history for all.

Get Involved

For tickets, donations, or volunteer opportunities related to the DAASHOF banquet or the Loockerman Hall Museum, visit www.daashof.org or contact Mark Sills directly at 610-825-90. These events are open to the community, and everyone is encouraged to participate in celebrating Delaware’s diamonds and the powerful legacy they represent.