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A few years ago, The African American Legacy Project
received a collection representing the history of
African-American athletes from this area dating back to the
early 1900’s. The research was conducted by Roland “Red”
Jones whose brother Bill was an outstanding athlete at
Woodward High School and later at the University of Toledo.
Right then, we knew it was important to gather stories to
document and preserve the collective contributions of the
hundreds of men and women from northwest Ohio who have
graced athletic stages across this community and…beyond!
Jones’ research serves as the backdrop for the formation of
the African American Sports Legends Hall of Fame
Over the past several years, a group of former athletes,
coaches and sports enthusiasts – led by Johnny Hutton along
with Co chairmen Leroy Bates and Joe Sansbury – began
developing a list of the top 100 athletes of all time from
the area. You can’t imagine the degree of difficulty in
selecting people who should be honored. Finally, the group
decided to honor individuals from different decades. It
still wasn’t easy, but... it was honest.
Members of our Dream Team to be inducted in 2017 include NFL
great Willie Harper; Harper will travel from California to
receive his honor. We also will induct the first African
American to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Emerson
Cole. Everyone remembers the incredibly talent, speed and
determination of Linda Jefferson who will be joined by
fellow Lady Toledo Trooper Jackie Allen-Jackson as two of
this year’s inductees.
Everyone remembers the lady who outran the wind, Olympic
great, Brenda Morehead. We bow to the national NCAA
Championship earned for Notre Dame by Central Catholic High
School’s Erica Haney. We will be inducting both – Morehead
and Haney.
Pound for pound Waite High School’s Craig Thames remains one
of the most prolific scorers ever to play at the University
of Toledo. Dennis Hopson still holds the scoring record at
The Ohio State University and arguably people often talk
about Terry Crosby being the best two-sport guy coming out
of the city. These three exceptional roundballers will join
our 2017 Dream Team.
Joe Allen who played for Woodward High School in a foregone
era was a unanimous committee choice. Allen remains one of
our perennial athletes who helped mentored numerous local
athletes during his journey. Posthumous awards will be
presented to the families of Jim Parker and Porter King.
Fans of the NFL will remember Parker winning All-Pro awards
on offense and defense in the same year while with the
Baltimore Colts. We really can’t remember any athlete who
endeared himself to the community more than Porter King. We
are already feeling the magic. Thanks to the generosity of
First Federal Bank you will be able to experience the magic
too!
First Federal has made it possible for Saturday’s event to
be free and open to the public. The event will be hosted on
the three-acre campus of the African American Legacy Project
1326 Collingwood and will begin at 2:00 pm.
The Toledo Chapter of the NAACP will host a special meet
and greet for inductees, their family and friends as
well as a number of special guests. The meet and greet
will be hosted at Premiere Banquet Hall
480 Heatherdowns Blvd Friday June 23, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Tickets to Friday’s event are $20 per person and can be
purchased at The African American Legacy Project, Henrys’
Jewelry and Gifts and Powell Beauty and Barber Supply.
For information call 419-720-4369. |
