Label
RIA Natasha Howard
McPherson, Williams, Gadus
Title
Recognizing Natasha Howard in Celebration of Black History Month
Summary
WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the achievements, contributions, resilience, and excellence of African Americans who have shaped our nation, our communities, and our future; and
WHEREAS, Natasha “Flash” Howard, born September 2, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio and a graduate of Waite High School, has been chosen to be celebrated for her achievement as a decorated professional basketball player who has made a lasting impact on the sport nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, A proud Florida State University alumna, Natasha became one of the top talents in women’s basketball and had her number retired by FSU in 2025; and
WHEREAS, As the daughter of Anthony “Scoop” Williams and Latasha Howard, Natasha developed a relentless work ethic and passion for the game early in life - traits that propelled her to success on basketball’s biggest stages; and
WHEREAS, Natasha was selected 5th overall in the First Round of the 2014 Women’s National Basketball Association Draft by the Indiana Fever and has built an outstanding professional career spanning over a decade in the WNBA, including playing with the Dallas Wings; and
WHEREAS, Throughout her career, Natasha Howard has achieved extraordinary success, including WNBA Championships with the Minnesota Lynx (2017) and the Seattle Storm (2018 and 2020); and
WHEREAS, Internationally, she has won multiple EuroLeague titles and earned Turkish Championship MVP honors, further cementing her legacy as an elite global competitor; and
WHEREAS, Natasha’s individual honors include WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, multiple WNBA All-Star selections, All-Defensive Team honors, and becoming the third player in WNBA franchise history to record a triple-double; and
WHEREAS, Beyond her athletic achievements, Natasha is committed to giving back to the community through coaching and mentorship, serving as an assistant with Amateur Athletic Union King Of The Court, helping develop the next generation of athletes through skill-building, discipline, and leadership; and
WHEREAS, Natasha credits her development to the foundation built through Toledo’s youth sports community, including time spent training at Wilson Park and learning under respected local coaches, including Elmore Sturdivant, Jerrell Coleman Sr., Howard Hicks, Manny May, Coach Sue, Coach Brooke, and Coach Dane; and
WHEREAS, Natasha Howard’s journey reflects excellence, perseverance, community pride, and serves as an inspiration to young people across Toledo and beyond, especially during Black History Month when we honor those whose achievements continue to break barriers and create opportunities for future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. Hereby proudly recognizes and honors Natasha “Flash” Howard for her outstanding athletic achievements, her international impact on the game of basketball, her dedication to mentorship, and for being an exceptional African American Woman representative of the City of Toledo; and
SECTION 2. During Black History Month, the City of Toledo celebrates Natasha Howard’s legacy as a source of pride, inspiration, and excellence for our community and for generations to come.
Adopted: February 17, 2026: yeas 10, nays 0.
Attest:
Julie A. Gibbons Vanice S. Williams
Clerk of Council President of Council
Approved: February 17, 2026
Wade Kapszukiewicz
Mayor