David Williams Archives
‘Triumph’ film celebrated at historic Woolworth on 5th
May. 14, 2018—Vanderbilt celebrated the inclusion of "Triumph: The Untold Story of Perry Wallace" in this year’s Nashville Film Festival at an event May 12 at the historic Woolworth on 5th restaurant—a key site in Nashville’s and the nation’s civil rights history.
Faculty invited to apply for micro-grants to explore connections between sports, society
Apr. 13, 2018—Faculty proposals for micro-grant funding are due May 21 to support research and curricular enrichment on topics related to sports and society in areas including race, law, gender and more.
Commodores to volunteer at Nashville-area elementary school
Apr. 11, 2018—In the coming weeks, Vanderbilt student-athletes and staffers will participate in several volunteer opportunities for the first time at Nashville's Buena Vista Elementary School, a unique chance for the Commodores to make an impact in the Nashville community.
State Legislature honors Vanderbilt athlete, civil rights pioneer Perry Wallace
Apr. 11, 2018—The Tennessee General Assembly unanimously passed a joint resolution honoring the memory of Vanderbilt alumnus Perry Wallace on April 11. Wallace, who grew up in North Nashville, integrated Vanderbilt varsity basketball in 1966 and made history on Dec. 2, 1967, as the first African American basketball player to compete in a varsity game in the Southeastern Conference.
Horvitz YouthAbility donates to Perry E. Wallace Jr. Basketball Scholarship
Mar. 30, 2018—The Horvitz YouthAbility program, a Cleveland organization that serves disabled and at-risk youth, has made a donation to the Perry E. Wallace Basketball Scholarship after its members read Wallace's biography and visited Nashville to walk in his footsteps.
Vanderbilt and civil rights pioneer Perry Wallace’s remarkable life celebrated Feb. 19
Feb. 22, 2018—The extraordinary courage that Distinguished Alumnus Perry Wallace displayed as the SEC's first African American basketball player was remembered during a celebration of life service Feb. 19.
New Vanderbilt basketball scholarship pays tribute to civil rights pioneer Perry Wallace
Feb. 19, 2018—Vanderbilt alumnus and civil rights trailblazer Perry Wallace has been honored with a new scholarship that will provide support for student-athletes at the university.
Cobb looks to King’s legacy for insight on race, politics
Jan. 18, 2018—Jelani Cobb, a Columbia University professor who has written extensively on race and injustice, spoke at Vanderbilt Jan. 17 on the deep significance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy for those seeking to understand and respond to recent divisive political developments.
Vanderbilt University to launch Center for Sports and Society
Jan. 11, 2018—As sports continues to serve as an important venue for spotlighting societal issues, Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nicholas S. Zeppos has unveiled plans for a new academic center to explore the intersection of sports, race, gender and culture in society.
Williams named Tennessean of the Year by ‘Tennessee Tribune’
Jan. 4, 2018—Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletics Director David Williams has been named the 2017 Tennessean of the Year by the "Tennessee Tribune," Nashville’s African American newspaper.
Perry Wallace, pioneer who integrated SEC basketball, has died
Dec. 4, 2017—Perry Wallace, BE’70, the Vanderbilt University student-athlete who integrated Southeastern Conference varsity basketball, died Dec. 1. He was 69.
Williams to moderate sports panel featuring VU basketball great, former Titans Dec. 8
Nov. 22, 2017—Former Tennessee Titans stars Chris Sanders and Chris Hope will be joined by Vanderbilt basketball record-setter Shan Foster for a panel discussion Friday, Dec. 8, titled “Life After Sports: Giving Back.” Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director David Williams will moderate the event at Vanderbilt's McGugin Center.