"Great Debaters" movie revives small historically black college

Parents Forum
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<p>"MARSHALL, Texas - The movie “The Great Debaters” made millions aware of the decades-old accomplishments of the debate team at a small historically black college tucked deep in the piney woods of East Texas — and gave that history new life at the school itself.</p>

<p>Before work began on the film, the Wiley College team that broke racial barriers with several impressive victories in the 1930s was a faded memory. When the school received e-mails from debaters all over the country after the movie was released a year ago, there was no team for them to join.</p>

<p>That has changed, thanks to donations including $1 million from the movie’s star and director, Denzel Washington. An 11-member team started debating this fall, and its ranks are expected to eventually grow to about 30…</p>

<p>The primarily liberal arts university, founded in 1873, has 967 students and its enrollment has been climbing for the last eight years. It’s located in Marshall, a town of about 24,000 not far from the Louisiana state line."
[Movie</a> revives black college’s debate team - Education- msnbc.com](<a href=“http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28463274/]Movie”>http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28463274/)</p>

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<p>Its definitely on my rental list. I hope its like “The Dead Poet Society” another college movie I enjoyed immensely.</p>

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<p>“Great Debaters” is one of those films I meant to see but never did, so I appreciate the reminder. I’m happy to read about the revival of the debate team at Wiley.</p>

<p>Marshall, TX is also the hometown of George Dawson, a grandson of slaves, who decided at the age of 98 that he had been illiterate long enough and enrolled in night school. I use several portions of his story “Life is So Good” in my US history classes.</p>

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<p>Great story! The Great Debaters is a wonderful film, made even more so by Denzel Washington. His superstar status brought more exposure to the film than if the lead had been a lesser known actor. And he is a great role model, demonstrated by his generous donation. He has made other similar donations to good causes. Of course, he is also a joy to watch on screen.</p>