Inspiration for “Remember the Titans” to Speak at Fairleigh Dickinson

Madison, NJ (February 18, 2009) — Despite tremendous racial tension, Coach Herman Boone  led the TC Williams High School Titans of Alexandria, Va., to a state championship the year the city integrated its secondary schools. Boone will speak at Fairleigh Dickinson University on March 5 at 2 p.m. The lecture is free and open to the public. 

In 1971, the three high schools in Alexandria, Va, integrated and merged into TC Williams High School. Herman Boone was selected as  head coach over the widely-supported Bill Yoast of the all-white Hammond High. While honored to accept his appointment, Boone faced the challenge of a lifetime: to unify the black and white players with Yoast as his assistant coach.

Boone exceeded expectations, winning a state championship and recording an undefeated season. His story inspired the film, “Remember the Titans,” in which Denzel Washington play the role of Coach Boone.

On March 5, he will share his experiences with the audience and discuss the lessons learned — including respect, teamwork and community involvement.

The lecture is sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students and will take place in Lenfell Hall in Hennessy Hall (The Mansion) at FDU’s College at Florham, 285 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940. To reserve a place, call 973-443-8935.