What does the debate argue in The Great Debaters?

The three debates mentioned in the movie “The Great Debaters” were about unemployment relief, Negros being admitted to white universities, and civil disobedience. The first debate is against Paul Quinn College and the resolved is on how unemployment relief should have ended when The Great Depression ends.

How much of The Great Debaters was true?

Three of the four debaters were fictional. The film’s writers took half of the names of authentic debaters and changed their last names. Hamilton Boswell became “Hamilton Burgess,” complete with the use of Boswell’s nickname, “Ham.” Henry Height became “Henry Lowe.” There was no woman on the team in 1935.

Why is Tolson unable to go to Harvard with the debaters?

Why is Tolson unable to go to Harvard with the debaters? He isn’t allowed to leave the state because he is blacklisted and it is all apart of the deal of his bail from the earlier encounter with the police. Mr. Tolson doesn’t want to jeopardize this opportunity for the debaters.

Is debaters a true story?

Denzel Washington directs and stars in “The Great Debaters,” the movie based on that true story, which comes to theaters Christmas Day. Washington plays the team’s coach, the invincible Professor Melvin Tolson.

What argument does the Wiley team present at the Oklahoma City University debate?

The debate is against Oklahoma City University, a white college. The resolution is that “Negros should be admitted to state universities”, and Wiley College argues the affirmative.

Was Tolson a communist?

Tolson was a “Communist,” “radical” or “self-described socialist.” During the 1930s, Tolson had his feet in two different worlds—one foot was in the world of the aspiring black middle class of Wiley College, and the other foot was in the world of the black dispossessed masses of the rural South.

Why does Mr. Tolson have to stay in Texas when the team travels to Harvard?

Why can’t Mr. Tolson go with the team to debate Harvard? It was a condition of bail; he cannot leave the state.

What does Mr. Tolson do to capture the attention of his students as he enters the classroom?

What does Mr. Tolson do to capture the attention of his students as he enters the classroom? He stands on a desk. You just studied 25 terms!