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The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College

"The story that inspired a film. The achievement that inspired a nation."

Inspired by the critically acclaimed Hollywood film The Great Debaters, The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College unveils the true story of Wiley College’s 1935 debate team and their groundbreaking defeat of the all-white reigning national championship debate team at the University of Southern California. Shattering racial stereotypes and overcoming adversity against great odds, these courageous young debaters emerged triumphant, commanding not only the respect of their peers... but of the nation. Influenced by their coach Melvin B. Tolson, the Wiley College debaters would go on to devote their talents to the causes of civil justice and social progress and become leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. The film comes full-circle, as the legacies of The Great Debaters inspire Wiley’s new debate team as it seeks to reclaim its glory on the national stage.

Top Cast

  • Gail Beil

    Gail Beil

    Self

  • Eleanor Boswell

    Eleanor Boswell

    Self

  • Thomas Freeman

    Thomas Freeman

    Self

  • Lewis Keys

    Lewis Keys

    Self

  • Nate Parker

    Nate Parker

    Self

  • Adam Clayton Powell III

    Adam Clayton Powell III

    Self

  • Haywood Strickland

    Haywood Strickland

    Self

  • Harry Thomas

    Harry Thomas

    Self

  • Melvin B. Tolson Jr.

    Melvin B. Tolson Jr.

    Self

Overview

Inspired by the critically acclaimed Hollywood film The Great Debaters, The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College unveils the true story of Wiley College’s 1935 debate team and their groundbreaking defeat of the all-white reigning national championship debate team at the University of Southern California. Shattering racial stereotypes and overcoming adversity against great odds, these courageous young debaters emerged triumphant, commanding not only the respect of their peers... but of the nation. Influenced by their coach Melvin B. Tolson, the Wiley College debaters would go on to devote their talents to the causes of civil justice and social progress and become leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. The film comes full-circle, as the legacies of The Great Debaters inspire Wiley’s new debate team as it seeks to reclaim its glory on the national stage.

Rating

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Best of Enemies

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