Nearly 15 years ago, Denzel Washington starred as the coach of the Wiley College debate team in the classic film, The Great Debaters. Fifteen years later, Washington and his family have donated $1 million to the historically Black college in Texas. As expected, the large donation will support members of the debate team that rose to national prominence by battling predominantly white institutions in the Jim Crow era.
“Supporting the next generation of brilliant minds in the art of debate at Wiley College will open so many doors of opportunity for these students during college, career, and beyond,” Washington said in a press release.
“We are honored to continue supporting the best and the brightest in the land and look forward to The Great Debaters continuing to do what they do best: win.”
This is not the first time that Washington has donated to Wiley College. In 2007, he committed to annually donating $100,000 to the school over the course of a decade. His latest donation works to continue that commitment and honor the legacy of Melvin B. Tolson, who created the debate team.
“We are grateful for the Washington family’s generosity for 15 years and counting to Wiley College’s phenomenal debate team, which, because of this support, can live out our motto to ‘Go forth Inspired,’” Wiley College President Dr. Herman J. Felton added.
“Being a dominant force as home of The Great Debaters makes us a very attractive option for those skilled in debate, and this financial support further amplifies the benefits of becoming a Wiley debate scholar.”
