American Legacy Magazine has been entertaining its readers with in-depth stories of African-American history and culture for more than 12 years. Although these stories are inspiring and intriguing, they have mostly been the untold stories of our less popular African-American heroes. However, later this month, one of those untold and less popular stories will be no longer. The Great Debaters, the story of Melvin Tolson and his Wiley College debate team opens nationwide in movie theatres Christmas Day. It is directed by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington who also stars in the movie along with another Oscar-winning Actor, Forest Whitaker. The Great Debaters is produced by Oprah Winfrey.

 

"This is a great American story," says Rodney J. Reynolds, founder and publisher of American Legacy Magazine. "For years American Legacy has been educating Americans on our great history. A history filled with incredible stories about some remarkable people. To see a movie developed from an American Legacy Magazine article is encouraging and is just an example of the magnitude of the stories we feature in the magazine on a regular basis."

 

It was eleven years ago, when writer Robert Eisele's friend Jeffrey Porro brought to his attention the article, The Great Debaters written by freelance writer Tony Scherman in the 1997 spring issue of American Legacy. A prolific television writer and producer, Eisele with Porro further developed the project and subsequently, Harpo Films, Oprah Winfrey's production company, accepted this story idea.

 

The Great Debaters is the remarkable story of Wiley College 's winning debate team of the early 1930s. Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South, The Great Debaters chronicles the journey of the Wiley College debate team--coached by the brilliant and passionate professor Melvin B. Tolson, played by Denzel Washington. It was Tolson's recognition that the power of knowledge is the greatest advantage of all, helping these students rise against all odds.

 

"I am so pleased that this story in American Legacy inspired Mr. Eisele to take it to the next level," adds Reynolds. "I believe that after seeing The Great Debaters everyone will be inspired to learn more about their history."

American Legacy Magazine (www.americanlegacymag.com) is distributed nationwide to over 2.05 million readers through black churches, educational and cultural institutions. Also available on newsstands and through paid subscriptions, American Legacy is a joint venture between RJR Communications Inc. and Forbes Inc.. Other brands include American Legacy Woman; American Legacy Healthcare Advantage; American Legacy, Jr.; and American Legacy TV.