“Words are your weapon” —Denzel Washington, in the movie The Great Debaters
Dr. Freeman gives actor Denzel Washington a tour during his visit to Texas Southern University. Photos: Jesse Muhammad
HOUSTON (FinalCall.com) - The word “debate” is defined as a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing viewpoints; a formal contest in which the affirmative and negative sides of a proposition are advocated by opposing speakers.
The above definition is according to Webster’s Dictionary, but to legendary educator Dr. Thomas F. Freeman, the art of debate is more than a contest, it’s a way of life. This year marks his 58th anniversary as head coach of the internationally acclaimed Texas Southern University Debate team. Dr. Freeman is just as enthusiastic today as when he first began his stunning career as an evolver of not only the finest young orators, but leaders that have shaped society with the power of words.
Dr. Freeman sits at his desk in a pinstripe suit in his office located in the TSU Center For Forensic Excellence that bears his namesake. The walls are covered with photographs, trophies, artwork and plaques that chronicle his life as a coach, church minister, community leader, family man and mentor. He taught the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King and Dr. Barbara Jordan. What has been his motivation?
“It’s not about trophies and awards. It’s the joy of seeing a young person evolve into greatness. That’s what drives me,” says Dr. Freeman, whose TSU team recently competed in the Ninth Annual Star Invitational Tournament in Florida. They walked away with the coveted Debate Sweepstakes trophy along with 20 more in categories such as best speaker, parliamentary debate, after dinner speech and reader’s theater. Since 1949, his team has reigned victorious in thousands of competitions.
Dr. Freeman, (l), shares his wisdom with FYTYA news publisher Keith J. Davis, Jr.
A native of Virginia, Dr. Freeman’s educational background includes degrees of study at Virginia Union University, Andover Newton Theological School, Harvard University, Chicago Divinity School, the University of Vienna in Austria and the University of Liberia in Africa. He has served as a minister for churches in Boston, Rhode Island, Virginia, and presently at Mt. Horem Baptist Church in Houston.
In preparation for his upcoming film, Academy Award winning actor Denzel Washington, recently sought the counsel of Dr. Freeman and his thriving students. The name of the Christmas Day release is The Great Debaters, based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, who at Wiley College formed a debate team that beat the University of Southern California (USC) in 1935 during the national championships. In order to develop ease in the presentation of the actors and make it more realistic, Denzel brought members of the cast to TSU for an intense two-day debate boot camp with Dr. Freeman and his team.
“Mr. Washington said he wanted to prick my brain. He is concerned about the state of historically Black colleges and universities and hopes that by working with us it will attract more young Blacks to Black colleges,” said Dr. Freeman. “We taught them the skill, art and expectations of debate. We made them engage in debate on various issues that are not in the movie.”
Mr. Washington was pleased with the outcome and said he believes God sent him to Dr. Freeman. The Great Debaters was produced by Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions. It is directed by Mr. Washington who stars in the film with Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise, Nate Parker, and Jurnee Smollett. In a recent interview on the “Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, Mr. Washington referred to the TSU Debate Team as one of the best in the nation. The president of the TSU debate team is Katiera Winfrey and vice-president is Seth Hunter.
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