Â??glory Road’ Coming to Colorado State; Member of Famed Team to Discuss Leadership, Diversity and Courage

In 1966, Nevil Shed and five other African-American basketball players helped to desegregate men’s college basketball by winning the NCAA Division I national basketball tournament. Hailed at the time as a "contest for racial honors" by Sports Illustrated, the all-African American team and their coach, Don Haskins, defeated the top-ranked University of Kentucky Wildcats and revolutionized the sport of basketball.

The 2006 Walt Disney film, "Glory Road," documented the difficult journey of these courageous basketball players who were recruited to play at a small university in Texas by a new coach whose only experience was coaching high school basketball. Driven by a desire to win as well as a commitment to social justice, the team and their coach endured racial discrimination and violence during a pivotal time in the Civil Rights Movement.

Shed will come to Colorado State University to present "Nevil Shed: Road to Glory," a discussion led by Shed in which he will share his insights on leadership, diversity, courage and social change. The event will include a screening of the film, "Glory Road." By working with today’s youth, Shed hopes to inspire them to persevere during challenging times.

"With determination, anything can be achieved," Shed said.

The program will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 1 in the Lory Student Center Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Alexis Kanda-Olmstead in the Office of Student Leadership and Civic Engagement at 491-2181 or alexis.kanda-olmstead@colostate.edu.

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