Former SMU tailback/wide receiver Jerry LeVias (’69) met in February with students in a class on “Blacks and the Civil Rights Movement” taught by History Professor Kenneth M. Hamilton. LeVias spoke about his time at SMU when he was the first African American to receive an athletic scholarship in the Southwest Conference. Last fall he received SMU’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
spring/summer 2009
Comments (3)
Although having been graduated from the School of Theology long before LeVias got to SMU, I hung on every bit of excitement which came from his actions. He was a precursor for what was to come in athletics at SMU and in Texas. I am very proud of his continuing to make SMU proud. Way ta go, Jerry!
Posted by Richard E. Stewart | July 28, 2008 7:35 PM
I grew up across the street from Jerry's parents, and although I was only a kid during the time Jerry left for college (5 years old), there was a feeling of euphoria in the air that something big was taking place in America. I would welcome the opportunity to speak to Prof. Hamilton's class about those days.
Posted by Stan Dural | December 19, 2008 11:55 AM
Thank goodness we have come a long way since those days (late '60s). Still a long ways to go but it's progress. Guys like Mr. LeVias are an inspiration that I personally do not want to see forgotten. Generations after us need to learn and be aware.
Posted by Jeff | October 26, 2009 1:28 PM