Football Coach who Inspired “Remember The Titans” to Speak at St. Norbert College During Black History Month

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From St. Norbert College, January 24, 2013
by Mike Counter, mike.counter@snc.edu, 920-403-3089

Herman Boone, the high school football coach who inspired the movie "Remember the Titans," will speak at St. Norbert College as part of Black History Month on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. in the Walter Theatre in the Abbot Pennings Hall of Fine Arts building on the St. Norbert College campus. The event is free and open to the public. Boone's appearance is being co-sponsored by Humana and St. Norbert College.

In 1971, racial tensions ran high in Alexandria, Va., as three schools were integrated to form T.C. Williams High School. In a story captured by the popular Disney film "Remember the Titans," Herman Boone -- portrayed by Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington -- faced the challenge of a lifetime in uniting black and white players from previously rival schools in the newly created Titans football team.

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

Other Black History Month events at St. Norbert College include:

Wednesday, Feb. 6 -- Common Prayer: The Riverside University High School Gospel Choir will be performing. This free common prayer will take place at 10:00 a.m. in Old St. Joseph Church.

Saturday, Feb. 23 -- Annual Soul Food Dinner: The dinner brings together students, faculty and staff from St. Norbert College along, with friends and community members from throughout the area, to celebrate the contributions of African-Americans in scholarship, music, and cuisine. Admission includes a buffet-style dinner featuring traditional African-American dishes, a keynote address and cultural performances. The event's keynote speaker is Gregory Cooke, assistant professor at Drexel University. Cooke co-directed "Choc'late Soldiers," a documentary about African-American Soldiers in WWII that premiered at the Smithsonian Institute in November 2009. He will be speaking about his current project, "Invisible Warriors," which tells the stories of African-American "Rosie the Riveters," women who worked in factories during WWII.

Tickets can be purchased in advance through the St. Norbert College box office for $14.00. Students pay $12.00. To order tickets online go to http://tickets.snc.edu/s515, or call 920-403-3950.