Bucknell University Athletics
Dan Wirnsberger Attends Leadership Event Honoring Former Bison Gbenga Akinnagbe
11/20/2014 12:06:00 PM | Wrestling
LEWISBURG, Pa. – Bucknell head wrestling coach Dan Wirnsberger recently had the privilege of attending the JustLeadershipUSA Leading with Conviction Launch and Benefit event at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City, which featured guest honoree Gbenga Akinnagbe, a former Bison grappler. The event was geared towards raising awareness about criminal justice reform and cutting incarceration in half by 2030.
Akinnagbe was presented with JustLeadershipUSA's Leading with Conviction Award. He was a four-year member of the Bucknell wrestling team from 1996 to 2000. A winner of 28 matches in his career, including a 20-14 mark as a senior in 1999-2000, Akinnagbe graduated from Bucknell with a degree in political science and English.
Born in Washington, D.C., Akinnagbe is currently an actor and an activist. His television credits include The Wire, The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie and Graceland. He has had major roles in many films, including The Savages, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 and Edge of Darkness.
Akinnagbe is also a successful producer and has had several articles published in The New York Times.
Akinnagbe is also passionate about making this a better world in which to live and is a nationally recognized activist on ending Stop-and-Frisk policies. In 2012 he launched “Liberated People,” and eco-friendly, socially conscious apparel company designed to inspire social activism.
"It's great to see Bucknell Wrestling alumni being so successful following their Bison careers,” said Wirnsberger, who was also joined at the event by Bucknell director of athletics development Tom Harvey and former Bison wrestler Jay Hahn. “During my time as coach at Bucknell I have had the privilege of meeting many alumni who have gone on to do so many special things with their lives. This honor for Gbenga is a great tribute to the type of person he is and I am glad I was able to be there on this special day for him."
