Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 1983-02-27

Duration: 00:25:38

Subjects: College sports | College athletes | National Collegiate Athletic Association | Jackson, Jesse, 1941- | Hooks, Benjamin L. (Benjamin Lawson), 1925-2010 | Naacp | Wharton, James H. | Southern University and A & M College | Southern Jaguars (Football team)

Contributors:

• Hinton, Rob Host
• Stewart, Genevieve Host
• Jackson, Jesse Speaker
• Hooks, Benjamin Interviewee
• Washington, Otis Interviewee
• Wharton, James Interviewee

This episode of the series “Folks” from February 27, 1983, focuses on the potential impact of NCAA Proposal 48 on black college athletes. Proposal 48 is a controversial rule requiring high school seniors to have at least a “C” average and a score of 15 on the ACT or a score of 700 on the SAT in order to be eligible to participate in college athletics. Rob Hinton first reports on black pioneers in sports, including Jackie Robinson. Next, Genevieve Stewart presents highlights from a speech given by Reverend Jesse Jackson of Operation PUSH in opposition to the proposal. She also interviews Benjamin Hooks, the executive director of the NAACP, who discusses their plans to challenge the rule in court, as well as LSU Chancellor James Wharton, who discusses his support of the proposal. Lastly, Hinton and Stewart interview Southern University Football Coach Otis Washington, who discusses his reaction to the proposal, whether the black community places too much emphasis on sports, and the academic work load of college athletes.