Debate is Back at Wiley College

Debate coach Shannon LaBove smiles during a reception Thursday in the Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Building at Wiley College.

From http://www.marshallnewsmessenger.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/08/090508_web_debate.html

Wiley hires debate coach

By Benjamin Fort, News Messenger
Thursday, September 04, 2008

Wiley College celebrated its storied debate program Thursday with the hiring of a new debate team coach and the world premiere screening of "The Real Great Debaters."

The night began with a reception at Wiley College's Freeman P. and Carrie E. Hodge Building, where guests were led down a red carpet, past a mounted poster of the film and to a gourmet buffet.

Dr. Shannon LaBove, the guest of honor and head of the newly developed forensics program, was present at the event, along with Brad Osborne and Andy Streitfeld, director/writer and executive producer, respectively, of the documentary.

"When I saw the movie ("The Great Debaters"), I loved it," Osborne said. "It moved me, intrigued me. I started asking questions."

Unlike the Hollywood movie, "The Real Great Debaters" portrays how the real 1935 Wiley College debate team defeated the University of South California, not Harvard. Those talented students went on to devote their talents to the causes of civil justice and social progress, and become leaders in the civil rights movement.

Osborne traveled from California to Texas and Oklahoma filming the documentary, and hopes, "as many people see it as possible. The most gratifying thing about directing a movie is to sit with the audience."

Though historical events can be empowering, Ms. LaBove has confidence in the current team.

"We can do well competitively with all the talent we have," said Ms. LaBove of a program that was defunct for more than five decades, until a $1 million donation from Denzel Washington and the combined efforts of Wiley College and other institutions brought it back to life.

During the 2008-2009 school year, the Wiley College debate team will compete in cities all over Texas and Louisiana, including meets in Tyler, Houston and Corpus Christi.

Ms. LaBove plans to keep it local this year, but she is hoping to have a tournament in Arizona or California next year.

Debate practice, which is held every Wednesday evening at Wiley College, includes debate rounds and a debate club. Any Wiley student can participate in the program.

The 12-member debate team and 24-member debate club will also participate in community service and on-campus activities.

Though debate has lost popularity over time, the activity is picking up steam again, especially at Wiley College, according to Ms. LaBove.

She described her teaching techniques as, "probably traditional ... iron fist in a velvet glove."

"I want the students to understand the concept of persuasion and argumentation, then they will be strong for anything," Ms. LaBove, who shows great compassion for the program and students, said. "They have so much talent. It is amazing and I am very privileged to be able to help them harness all of that potential.

"As long as you are true to yourself, your team and your school you will be just fine."

Debate captain Megan Moten and other team members were also present for the reception.

"It's amazing to be able to breathe life back into the team," Ms. Moten said. "I'm excited to debate for Wiley. Dr. LaBove is tough, but she knows what she's doing."

Ms. LaBove received a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Houston, a master's degree in speech communication from West Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctorate from Georgia State University's College of Law.

She has previously served as instructor of speech communication at Morehouse College and assistant director of forensics at both West Texas A&M University and the University of Houston.