Melvin B. Tolson's guest appearances

Melvin B. Tolson

Texas Originals

This Day in Quiztory

Barbara Jordan

James L. Farmer

Ben Carson

Kim Coles

Oprah Winfrey

Russell Simmons

Tupac Shakur

Jacob Lawrence

Paul Robeson

John Singleton

Clarence Thomas

Curtis Mayfield

Chris Smith

Jonathan Scott

George Faison

OwlTail

Recording artists Faith Evans celebrates educator, poet and "The Great Debaters" coach Melvin B. Tolson

02.06_Faith Evans_Educator Melvin B. Tolson

Poet and educator Melvin B. Tolson began teaching at the historically black Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, in 1924. A dedicated mentor, he coached Wiley's debate team through an impressive ten-year winning streak. The team is portrayed in the 2007 film The Great Debaters, with Tolson portrayed by Denzel Washington. Tolson was also a brilliant and inventive poet, drawing upon both the western tradition and the distinctive rhythm and vernacular of the blues. In 1947, the African nation of Liberia named him poet laureate.