Debate coach built legacy
Generations of students describe legacy of Texas Southern debate coach, professor
Generations of students celebrate former TSU debate coach Thomas Freeman’s 99th birthday by recounting tales spanning his seven decades of teaching.
Julian Kane, an undergraduate student at Texas Southern University, was struggling to prepare a poem at a speech competition in Tanzania. He had only minutes left before he was expected to appear in front of an audience.
Thomas F. Freeman, his debate coach, turned to him and demanded he stay focused. Kane walked on stage and delivered the poem flawlessly.
When Kane returned, Freeman gave him a big hug. “I felt like I was floating on top of the world,” the now 28-year-old graduate recalled.
Students from decades past celebrated Freeman’s legacy at a party Saturday night for his 99th birthday, which was June 27. As Freeman held his chin on hand, he listened to generations of students recount him as a motivator who wants the best for his students; as a coach who expects students to rise to every occasion, as he knows they can.
Former and current students performed impromptu skits, sang Mariah Carey’s “Hero” and delivered dramatic poems in Texas Southern University’s debate room Saturday, the place where Freeman built his legacy.
“It is making experiences
available to my students,” said Freeman, now retired but still involved with TSU debate students. On Saturday he wore a burgundy jacket with “Head Coach” embroidered on the lapel.
His voice is softer and more deliberate now; his eyes remain kind.
As Freeman recalls, there were no opportunities for black students when he moved to Texas 69 years ago. He organized and served the black community until they were allowed to integrate schools. These days, Freeman still insists that his students strive for excellence.
“The doors have been opened and there are many more opportunities, but it isn’t a given,” Freeman said. “Establish your quality so it is unquestionable.”
For nearly seven decades, he has worked every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. as a professor of philosophy and debate coach. He also served as a professor of religion at Rice University for a time and has served as a minister at Mount Horem Baptist Church in the Fifth Ward for more than 65 years.
At 9 years old, he was known as “the boy preacher” and has been giving sermons ever since.
Gloria Batiste-Roberts, TSU’s debate team coach, called Freeman one of the busiest people she knows. She said he travels to all of the debate tournaments, staying in the same hotels as students. He also travels across the country for speaking engagements.
“They still treat him like he is 40 because he’s still so in demand,” Batiste-Roberts said.
‘Respect for the truth’
Freeman has inspired many prominent figures through his teaching. In the late 1940s, Freeman taught the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a religion class at Atlanta’s Morehouse College. He was also sought out by actor Denzel Washington to coach the cast of the Golden Globe-nominated film “The Great Debaters.” Freeman said the most important thing he taught Washington and other cast members about debate was that truth always prevails.
“A good debater must have respect for the truth,” Freeman said. “This needs to be reinforced because of what’s happening on the contemporary scene. You must persuade on the basis of truth — it will come out in the end.”
Freeman has worked to instill this commitment to the truth in all of his students, who include former U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, gospel superstar Yolanda Adams and Barbara Jordan, the first female AfricanAmerican representative in Congress.
Jordan’s sister, Rose Mary McGowan, 85, attended the birthday celebration. She described Freeman, who advised McGowan while she obtained a master’s degree in philosophy, as an eloquent and demonstrative person.
Ellis, who was out of the country Saturday, said in a statement that Freeman’s coaching was a life-changing event.
“I’m forever grateful for the lessons he taught me,” Ellis said. “To this day, it’s Dr. Freeman’s voice I hear every time I prepare to speak before a crowd or debate public policy. The lessons learned from Dr. Freeman have empowered me throughout my political career to fight for systemic change and demand justice for all people.”
The debate team’s student president, Antre’chelle Dorsey, said Freeman’s compassion for his students is inspiring.
“He is a father to people who have never had a father, a family to people who don’t know what family is,” Dorsey said. “He’s there for us.”
Freeman always makes sure he is available and encourages students to come to him, even when his advice is critical, she said.
“Everyone remembers the first time he yells at you, and you’re surprised because he yells at you so eloquently,” she said. “But he builds you right back up and tells you, ‘Stop crying, go win.’ ”
Freeman’s tough love helped the debate team win the 24th Annual International Forensic Association Tournament in 2013, among countless other accolades.
Nicole West, a 23-year-old member of the debate team, said Freeman’s honesty pushes her to be better.
“When he first heard me speak, he said that I sound like I have a mouthful of marbles,” West said with a laugh. She said she has improved significantly under Freeman’s guidance.
Offering wisdom
The life lessons Freeman provides are something his students don’t take for granted. Anthony Collier, 25, said Freeman has been a great mentor who took him under his wing and taught him how to captivate an audience.
Collier scrolled through a long list of memos on his phone, where he saves bits of Freeman’s wisdom: “Everything happens for a reason, what will be will be” and “The only benefit in attempting to accomplish your heart’s desires is the satisfaction of knowing you tried.”
While Freeman’s professional accomplishments have been well documented, the celebration was also an opportunity to acknowledge his personal successes as a devoted father and husband. There was a poetic tribute to his wife Clarice and a video tribute by his daughter Carlotta Vanessa Freedman, who became the first African-American president of the Los Angeles County Medical Association last week.
After reflecting on the past, Freeman also considered the future. He emphasized the need for morality in the next generation.
“We need to reinvent the circle and go back to a solid foundation of moral value,” Freeman said. “Honor and honesty. We can’t progress while we’re constantly accusing others. A moral standard must be applied to everyone.”
After 99 years, Freeman proclaimed the importance of living life for others.
“Life under God is what you make of it,” Freeman said. “If you don’t bring anything to life, you won’t get anything out of it. You’re not here for your enjoyment, but for what contribution you can make to the enjoyment of others.”