Herman Boone Event Rescheduled for April 24

April 17, 2007

For Immediate Release

Note: Due to a scheduling conflict, the date for this event has changed to Tuesday, April 24.

MOBILE — Herman Boone, the inspiring head coach of T.C. Williams High School during integration, will speak at Spring Hill College at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 in Byrne Memorial Hall. His presentation is titled “Remember the Titans: Conflict Resolution and Unity” and is free and open to the public.

In 1971, Boone faced the challenge of a lifetime, and his inspirational story was captured in the Disney film “Remember the Titans,” starring Academy Award-winner Denzel Washington.

Racial tensions ran high in Alexandria, Va., in 1971 as three schools were newly integrated to form the T.C. Williams High School. It was from this union that the Titan football team was created. The former rivalries between the schools coupled with the strain between the black and white players resulted in a team that was far from united.

Tensions only escalated when Boone, assistant coach of the former black T.C. Williams High School, was named head coach of the Titans, passing over Bill Yoast, the local favorite and successful head coach of the former white Hammond High. Yoast's supporters were angered by Boone's appointment, which was seen as a gesture of goodwill to the black community.

Remarkably, the two coaches were able to put aside their prejudices, and in doing so they unified their players to form a team whose common vision was to respect each other and win football games. At the same time, through the game of football, Boone and Yoast were able to help their small Virginian community put aside their intolerance and join together to support their children. The Titans became one of the best teams in Virginia, compiling a 13-0 record and went on to win the state championship.

Boone is now retired but continues to motivate and inspire audiences with presentations on respect, teamwork, community involvement and importance of character, among others.

This event is co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and the Quest for Social Justice. For more information, contact Student Affairs at (251) 380-3027.
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