Melvin B. Tolson (center) led the Wiley College debate team to a U.S. championship in 1935 with a win over the University of Southern California. The story is depicted in the movie ‘The Great Debaters,’ starring Denzel Washington. A UMNS photo courtesy of Wiley College.

“The Great Debaters 2.0”

Oklahoma City University and
Wiley College, (Marshall, Texas), will revisit a historical moment next week when another generation of “The Great Debaters” returns for a friendly competition. Students, faculty and the general public are invited to attend a variety of events in honor of the historic event.

The two schools have partnered for a weekend-long list of activities titled “The Great Debaters 2.0” to remind its students and the public not only about the debate itself, but also about lessons learned since the racial tensions of the 1930s.

All events listed are open to OCU students, faculty and staff.

Schedule of events:

Friday, Oct. 24
4-4:30 p.m. —Reception hosted by SGA, Great Hall of the University Center

4:30-6 p.m. —SGA Servant Leadership meeting, faculty counterparts meetings and staff counterparts meetings 

8:30-11 p.m.—Screening of “The Great Debaters” movie, University Center *

"Wiley College and Oklahoma City University Reunited"
Movie Presentation of "The Great Debaters"
Marshall, Texas, described by James Farmer, Jr. as "the last city to surrender after the Civil War," is home to Wiley College, where, in 1935-36, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and his clandestine work as a union organizer, Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges and ends with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions. The team of four, which includes a female student and a very young James Farmer, is tested in a crucible heated by Jim Crow, sexism, a lynch mob, an arrest and near riot, a love affair, jealousy, and a national radio audience. Written by {jhailey@hotmail.com} From IMDB.

Saturday, Oct. 25
Noon-2 p.m. —Volleyball Game, Henry J. Freede Center*    

2-4 p.m.—Women’s Basketball Game, Henry J. Freede Center*

4-6 p.m.—Men’s Basketball Game, Henry J. Freede Center*

6-7:30 p.m.—Debate, Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel*

10:30 p.m. —SGA Party, University Center                                            

Sunday, Oct. 26
10-10:30 a.m.—Pre-worship Concert,
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 222 N.W. 15th St.*

10:30-noon—Worship Service, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church*

*Denotes event also open to the public.