This website will be unavailable from Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. through Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. due to data center maintenance.
79S31082 SKA-D
By: McClendon H.R. No. 299
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The 2006 release of Glory Road, a film both
educational and socially significant, provides a fitting occasion
to recognize Nevil Shed and his contributions to a milestone
victory on the court and in the struggle for civil rights; and
WHEREAS, Walt Disney's Glory Road tells the story of the 1966
NCAA basketball champion, Texas Western College, now The University
of Texas at El Paso; in the championship final, which has been
hailed as one of the NCAA's "25 Defining Moments," Texas Western
head coach Don Haskins broke with tradition by starting an
all-black team against the all-white Kentucky Wildcats; the African
American squad defeated the heavily favored Wildcats, claiming the
prestigious NCAA National Basketball Championship title while
heralding a new era of racial equality in college basketball; and
WHEREAS, Contributing to this significant event was the
6-foot-8-inch Nevil Shed, who sank the free throw that put his team
into the lead it never relinquished; dubbed "The Shadow," Mr. Shed
was known for his tenacious defense and unrelenting hustle on the
hardwood, averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 80 percent
free-throw shooting per game throughout his career; after
graduating from college with a bachelor of arts degree in
kinesiology and health, Mr. Shed was drafted by the NBA and played
with the Boston Celtics; and
WHEREAS, Since retiring as a player, Mr. Shed has worked
tirelessly to help young people in the African American community;
whether in the capacity of coach, advisor, or public speaker, he has
shared his story of triumph against formidable odds with youth
across the nation, inspiring them to believe that with
determination, they can surmount any obstacle; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed Texan has been recognized for his work
with a number of accolades, including the 2001 African American
Legend Award, 2003 SOUL of Black Folks Award, 2004 San Antonio Black
Achievement Award, and 2005 Prestigious Black History Makers Award;
in addition, he has been featured in the Emmy Award-winning
documentary Final Four and in HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumble;
and
WHEREAS, A pioneer in the struggle for racial justice and a
role model for countless young people, Nevil Shed has continued to
advance the dream of a more just and inclusive society, and it is a
distinct pleasure to join in honoring him at this time; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend Nevil "The Shadow"
Shed for his role in charting a new course for college sports and
for race relations throughout this state and nation; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Shed as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.