Legendary Basketball Coach George Raveling, Guardian of MLK's Speech, Dies at 88
Legendary basketball coach George Raveling died at 88. He provided security for Martin Luther King Jr. at the 1963 March on Washington, receiving Dr. King's original speech.
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Overview
- Legendary basketball coach George Raveling passed away at the age of 88, concluding a life marked by significant contributions both in sports and historical events.
- Raveling's death was attributed to a battle with cancer, bringing an end to a career that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on many.
- Beyond coaching, Raveling played a unique historical role, providing security for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the pivotal 1963 March on Washington.
- During this historic event, Raveling notably received the original copy of Dr. King's iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, a significant piece of American history.
- His legacy encompasses achievements as a respected basketball coach and his profound connection to one of the most important civil rights moments in history.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story as a celebratory tribute, emphasizing George Raveling's profound impact on both sports and historical events. They collectively highlight his "Hall of Fame" status and pivotal roles in the Michael Jordan-Nike phenomenon and the preservation of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, using descriptive language to underscore his lasting legacy and influence.
"He will be profoundly missed, yet his aura, energy, divine presence, and timeless wisdom live on in all those he touched and transformed."
NBC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
George Raveling had a 22-year head coaching career with a record of 336-292. He was the first Black head coach in the Pac-8 conference and coached at Washington State, Iowa, and USC. He led USC to NCAA Tournament appearances in 1991 and 1992, earning Pac-10 Coach of the Year honors three times and NABC Coach of the Year twice. He also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Olympic basketball teams in 1984 and 1988, winning a gold medal in 1984, and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.[1][2][3]
George Raveling provided security for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 1963 March on Washington. During this historic event, he received the original copy of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, a significant artifact of American civil rights history.
After retiring from coaching, George Raveling worked as a basketball color commentator for Fox Sports and CBS. He then joined Nike, where he was Director of Grassroots Basketball and later Director of International Basketball. He also served in leadership roles with the NABC, the NCAA, USA Basketball, and Nike.[1]
George Raveling acquired Martin Luther King Jr.'s original notes from the "I Have a Dream" speech, one of the most important documents in American history. He later donated the speech to Villanova University, his alma mater.
Beyond coaching, George Raveling influenced basketball globally through his executive roles at Nike, promoting international basketball development. He also contributed as a broadcaster and served on the boards of major basketball organizations such as the NABC, NCAA, and USA Basketball, shaping the sport at multiple levels.
History
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