Melvin B. Tolson's Legacy - Access To Quality Education

Melvin B Tolson was the coach of Wiley College’s award-winning debate team. Born in 1898 in Moberly, Missouri, he graduated from Lincoln College in 1924 and earned a Master's Degree from Columbia University in 1940. He taught at Wiley College and Langston University, was a four-term mayor of Langston, Oklahoma, and was one of best black poets of his day - he was appointed poet laureate of Liberia in 1947. The author of four books of poetry, he died in 1966.

THE GREAT DEBATERS CALL TO ACTION

In The Great Debaters, Melvin B. Tolson believed in the power of education. He challenges James Farmer Jr., Smantha Booke, and the rest of the Wiley team to become championship debaters despite the world of limitations and obstacles they face in the Jim Crow South. Through their hard work and dedication, the team uses educational opportunities to overcome the odds and become leaders of their communities and advocates for change in the world.

Today more than ever, all students deserve access to quality public education. Together, we can ensure that all students in underserved communities are given the chance to defy expectations.

You have the power to improve educational opportunities for all students. By signing on to the NAUDL's Call to Action, inspired by The Great Debaters, you send a message that every child’s education is important.

The Call to Action embraces the following goals:

To fulfill the potential of all students to become leaders in our increasingly competitive global community.
To close the achievement gap for low-income students and students of color.
To give students access to rigorous, academically oriented afterschool programs such as debate.
To fill every public school with supportive, qualified educators.

Together we will create a better future for our children and grandchildren. Let us bring quality educational opportunities to all students.