THE GREAT DEBATER…….

The Majestic Metro was filled with well wishers as Leadership Houston honored Dr. Thomas F. Freeman with the 2009 Leading Houstonian Award.  This award is given annually to a recognized leader in his/her field.

The recipient will not only have excelled professionally but will also have used their talents to make Houston a better place to live, work and play.  Certainly, Dr. Freeman, our great debater, is most deserving of this award.  He’s a legendary educator who has spent 60 years as Head Coach of the internationally acclaimed Texas Southern University debate team.

Most of us saw the movie “The Great Debaters,” but you may not know that Denzel Washington brought the actors to TSU’s campus to consult with Dr. Freeman during the making of the film. He and his wife Clarice looked on with pride and some tears, as Houstonians paid tribute to this special man.

Melanie Lawson emceed the program and other participants included Dr. Shannon LaBove, Wiley College, Debate Coach, the TSU Debate Club members, James Hollins, Coquise Cooksie, Isiah DeJohnette, Emerald Merrell and TeShon Thomas, Rev. Gwenn Pierre, Miles D’Angelo Pierre and a musical presentation by Brian Dickens.  Caroline Baker Hurley, Leadership Houston Chairperson presented him with the Leading Houstonian Award and remarks were given by The Honorable Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee.  Also in attendance were Ty Houston, Pam Davis, Sharon Murphy, Darnell Joseph, Marilyn Brown, Juanita Garner, Dr. James Douglas, Carolyne Oliver, Shannon Dickens, Alice Otchere, Diane Hasell, Lucretia Ahrens, Jewel Smith, Christopher Stewart, Jeffery Boney, and Amy Gentry.

What an amazing journey!  Congratulations and continued success to you also.

Ms. Chag
DEFENDER MEDIA GROUP