The Great Debaters, Kappa Psi and the Omega Connection

Deservedly, much fanfare has been made about The Great Debaters, the new movie produced by Oprah Winfrey and directed by and starring Denzel Washington. Highlighting the achievements of the 1930’s Black debate team from Wiley College as they go against and defeat the debating powerhouse of Harvard (actually USC in real life), the movie has sparked renewed interest in debating within the Black community.

Lesser known is the fact that the lead character, played by Denzel, was actually a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Even closer to home, the main character, Melvin B. Tolson, is actually a distant relative of past Kappa Psi Basileus Bro. Robert Tolson. Making the Omega connection to The Great Debaters even more salient, James Farmer, one of the lead debaters in the film, was also an Omega from Wiley College.

Years prior to the movie, and as if moved by the spirit of academic excellence and artful debate exemplified by Bros. Tolson and Farmer, the brothers of Kappa Psi made our mark on Washington, DC’s debate scene. Spearheaded by the idea of Bro. Anthony Burley, Kappa Psi began sponsoring debate tournaments at the University of the District of Columbia in the fall of 2001. Seven years later, that legacy is still being continued as the chapter prepares for this year’s Kappa Psi Urban Debate Tournament to be held on January 19^th at the George Washington University.

With a debating format decidedly different from the Urban Debate League that the city sponsors, the Kappa Psi Urban Debate Tournament provides opportunities for students from DC’s public and charter schools to debate topics chosen by the chapter itself. Another difference is Kappa Psi’s desire to provide tangible rewards for academic performance. Each debate tournament culminates in first, second and third place team awards, first, second, and third place speaker awards and, this year, best coach award. All of these awards are accompanied by checks placed in the hands of the winners. In addition to these innovations, the Kappa Psi debate tournaments also provide students with the opportunity to see judges, who “look just like them,” give critical feedback, advice, and support; a rarity in the Urban Debate League of DC.

In the final analysis, we hope that the film the Great Debaters continues to spawn interest in debate throughout the Black community. The skills of public speaking, critical analysis and spontaneity of thought are all skills that are much needed in our youth. The Kappa Psi Urban Debate Tournament is a shining example of the forethought and insight of brothers in our chapter. We welcome the public to our debate tournament at George Washington University on January 19^th. Come be a part of the history that Kappa Psi continues to make as we carry on the academic and debating legacy of the great Omega Men that came before us.