Much will be said, rightly so, upon the passing of Jerry Harkness, about his contribution to civil rights within basketball.
He, however, was more than just a major player towards the integration of basketball & the NCAA tourney.
He decided to pursue basketball after a chance
He, however, was more than just a major player towards the integration of basketball & the NCAA tourney.
He decided to pursue basketball after a chance
encounter with Jackie Robinson. Robinson encouraged Harkness to pursue hoops. His pre game handshake before facing Mississippi State in the 1963 NCAA tourney was a watershed moment.
It was, perhaps, after his playing career- which led Harkness to a brief stint with the @Pacers
It was, perhaps, after his playing career- which led Harkness to a brief stint with the @Pacers
that Jerry left his greatest marks. He was the first African-American sales person with Quaker Oats, before becoming a key philanthropist around Indianapolis. He was the 1st African American sports anchor in Indianapolis history.
In typical fashion of his quiet but graceful way,
In typical fashion of his quiet but graceful way,
Jerry- without recognition by many- consistently and passionately worked as a mentor to at-risk youth of Indy. Always dressed in his dress slacks and sweaters, he was a guiding force and advocate to thousands of boys in @IPSSchools via @100BlackMen programs and @UnitedWay.
Jerry Harkness was a gentle, compassionate and gentle soul dedicated to the betterment of our city and its people.
His passing is a void to us all, and he will be sorely missed, but we should celebrate a purposed life well lived, his MANY jobs well done.
His passing is a void to us all, and he will be sorely missed, but we should celebrate a purposed life well lived, his MANY jobs well done.
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