The Great Debaters - Supporting Leadership for Life

For more than a century, United Methodism’s historically Black colleges and universities have enriched minds and led the way in education, medicine, politics, religion and science. At these institutions of higher learning, thousands of promising students are nurtured to realize their full potential.

A little-known “David and Goliath” story is coming to life on the silver screen in the Christmas 2007-release, "The Great Debaters,” produced by Oprah Winfrey and directed by and starring Denzel Washington.

Washington portrays Melvin B. Tolson, a Wiley College professor who in 1935 inspired students to form the school’s first debate team and challenge the University of Southern California in a national championship. Despite incredible odds, including great racial tension, Wiley beat Southern California (shown as Harvard in the film)—and a score of other oratorical powerhouses.

Wiley, located in Marshall, Texas, is one of The United Methodist Church's 11 historically Black colleges and universities supported by the Black College Fund. The first historically African-American college west of the Mississippi River, Wiley College opened its doors in 1873, just eight years after the Civil War ended.

Download video of Denzel Washington's greeting to The United Methodist Church