A presentation on famed boxer Joe Louis’ career, a history of the Detroit Red Wings and an inside look at a minor league sports team are among the highlights as the More Than a Game: How Sports Shape Culture program series enters the home stretch. The exhibits and presentations continue at the Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College through Nov. 22.
On Nov. 5 and again on Nov. 11, local award-winning author Richard Bak will offer a look at Joe Louis: The Great Black Hope” at 11 a.m. and on the Detroit Red Wings at 1 p.m. On Nov. 8, Bill Littlefield, host of National Public Radio’s weekly “Only a Game” sports magazine, will present “Sports as Substance and Circus” in a 2 p.m. discussion. On Nov. 20, David Rizik, whose father helped start the Flint Pros, will tell the real story of the team that played for less than a season and a half in the Continental Basketball Association. A full schedule of events is available at www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
“We have an incredibly rich history of sports and personalities in the Detroit region,” said Geary Maiuri, dean of Community & Student Enrichment at Macomb. “Our teams and our games have had a significant impact on the culture of this area.”
The More Than a Game exhibit at the Lorenzo Cultural Center features memorabilia from area sports teams, including the Tigers, Red Wings, Lions and Pistons, as well as popular college, minor league and youth programs. Videos featuring memorable moments in local sports history will be airing throughout the run of the program. A special exhibit, on loan from the Women Sports Foundation, highlights women athletes.
The More Than a Game series concludes with a Tailgate Party at the cultural center, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, during which some of the exhibits created for the series, as well as some autographed sports memorabilia, will be sold at auction. Detroit Tigers mascot Paws and Hoops, the mascot of the Detroit Pistons, will both be at the party and tailgate-style refreshments, such as hot dogs, chips and beer and soft drinks will be available for sale. Proceeds from the party will be used to support the athletics program at Macomb and to benefit the Lorenzo Cultural Center endowment.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Garfield & M-59, Clinton Township. The cultural center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information on the Lorenzo Cultural Center and on the More Than a Game program series is available at www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com or by calling 586.445.7348.
About the Lorenzo Cultural Center
The Lorenzo Cultural Center (lorenzoculturalcenter.com) explores the influences and experiences that shape our community's heritage, examining topics from a variety of perspectives and creating interactive opportunities for learning, celebration and entertainment. Located on Macomb Community College's Center Campus, Hall and Garfield Roads in Clinton Township, the cultural center is adjacent to the Macomb Center for Performing Arts
About Macomb Community College
Macomb Community College (www.macomb.edu) is one of the nation’s leading community colleges, providing learning experiences to more than 59,000 students annually. Macomb nationally ranks in the top two percent in the number of associate degrees awarded and as the largest grantor of associate degrees in Michigan. The college’s comprehensive educational programming includes pre-collegiate experiences, university transfer and career preparation programs, bachelor degree completion and graduate degree programs, workforce training, professional education and certification, and continuing education and enrichment opportunities.
Media contact:
Dan Heaton
586.445.7271
heatond@macomb.edu