Story

Storyteller: Dr. Alicia Odewale

THE MELVIN TOLSON TREE Beside the home of poet, professor, and civil rights leader Melvin B. Tolson—stands a resilient Hackberry tree. Tolson made history in 1935 when he led the @wileycollege1873 College debate team over 15 years losing only 1 out of 75 debates (including USC and Harvard). His legacy was later honored by @denzelwashington.official in the 2007 film The Great Debaters. Tolson joined Langston University in 1947, the same year he was named Poet Laureate of Liberia. His work stands as a lasting monument to his global vision of Black freedom. The Hackberry beside his home carries that same legacy—rooted, strong, and still standing after 78 years.