The Office for Diversity and Inclusion and the UConn Foundation invite UConn students, staff, and faculty to attend a film screening for The Loyola Project.
The Loyola Project follows the 1963 Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team, the first NCAA team to start four Black players. Though segregation had officially ended in 1963, many sports teams followed a "gentlemen's agreement" to limit the number of Black players they started, usually three Black players at home and two Black players at away games. Loyola was the first NCAA men's team to break this "gentleman's agreement" on their way to winning the 1963 NCAA men's national title. The documentary details their story, including the backlash they faced on the road, the "Game of Change," in which the Ole Miss men's team defied the governor's orders and flew across state lines to play Loyola, and the importance of student activism.
After the screening, we will hold a panel discussion including UConn Athletics Alumni and UConn faculty, staff, and students. A post-event reception will include snacks.
The event will be held in the Student Union Theater on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM. The event is free and open to all UConn students, staff, and faculty, but participants must register in advance. Register here.
For more information, contact: Office for Diversity and Inclusion at diversity@uconn.edu