| Abstract |
"From the most humble beginnings, as the youngest son born into a poor family of thirteen children in Atlanta, Georgia in 1918, LeRoy Walker became one of the great track coaches of the century, and, as an educator, the Chancellor of a major university." "Walker was producing national champions at a small college in North Carolina during a time of racial segregation when he was forced to drive as much as a hundred miles out of the way for lodging and food for his team during track meets." "Following coaching successes with teams from other countries, particularly on the continent of Africa, he was selected head track and field coach for the US Olympic team in 1976 for the Games in Montreal. Working his way through the ranks of the United States Olympic Committee, he became President of the organization, and in 1996 led the US delegation into the stadium for the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, a short distance from Parsons Street where he was born." "His story is one of inspiration for all of us, especially the youth of the world. His example brings light to the dark valleys of racism and intolerance."--Jacket. |
