KC Gems Week 6: Breaking Through: John B. McLendon, Basketball Legend and Civil Rights Pioneer

KC Gems last 1-2 hours depending on the topic and presenter.

Sports has always been a powerful force for social change. Breaking Through is the story of Kansas native John B. McLendon's struggle for equality in post - World War II America when one coach refused to accept that teams at historically black colleges were unable to achieve national prominence. A civil rights pioneer who integrated the sport of basketball on both the collegiate and professional levels, he broke through the bonds of instituional racism for the rights of his players and African Americans everywhere. Along the way, McLendon revolutionized the game with superb player conditioning, the fast break, the full-court press, and two-in-the corner offense. His remarkable courage, unswerving determination, and moral strength in the pursuit of human rights and social justice brought American democracy a step closer to reality.