TSU memorial honors iconic debate coach Dr. Thomas Freeman

Melanie Lawson Image
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
Iconic TSU debate coach Dr. Freeman dies at age 100
Legendary TSU debate coach Dr. Freeman dies at age 100

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Texas Southern University honored legendary debate coach Dr. Thomas Freeman during a memorial Tuesday. Freeman passed away at 100 years old.

RELATED: Iconic Texas Southern University debate coach Dr. Thomas Freeman dies at age 100

Freeman is known for training thousands of students to compete in speaking contests around the world, beating out competitors like Harvard and the University of Chicago.

RELATED: Legendary Texas Southern University debate coach Dr. Thomas Freeman turns 100

In more than six decades, Freeman earned thousands of awards and trophies for his service.

Freeman taught Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Congressman Mickey Leland, County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Grammy Award-winner Yolanda Adams, and even worked with actor Denzel Washington and a group of actors for the movie 'The Great Debaters.'

SEE MORE: TSU debate coach and his wife reflect on 67 years of marriage

During an interview with Freeman on his 100th birthday, as far as his legacy, he said, "There's nothing I want to leave. What I've done, I've done."