Sports – and the people who have played them – have played a major role in shaping the culture and the attitudes of metro Detroiters for decades. The Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College will examine the region’s love affair with sports during More Than a Game: How Sports Shape Culture, a program series with exhibits, presentations and activities that opens Sept. 16 and runs through Nov. 22.
“From the days when Joe Louis was among the most popular figures in America in an era when Detroit was known as the ‘City of Champions,’ sports have played a key role in the identity of this region and this state,” said Geary Maiuri, dean of Community & Student Enrichment at Macomb. “More than that, however, the sports scene has been the backdrop for dealing with questions of racial and social equality. Sports have also been a unifying force at many points over the years.”
During the course of the series at the Lorenzo Cultural Center, those who played the game – or played roles in chronicling sports or their impact – will share their perspectives. More Than a Game also features a special Speakers Series, bringing several well-known names to the college:
* Tom Izzo, the head coach of the mens’ basketball team at Michigan State University. Fresh off a Final Four appearance in the 2009 NCAA tournament, Izzo will speak on Sept. 17.
* Frank Deford, a nationally known journalist who appears regularly on NPR’s Morning Edition and HBO’s RealSports with Bryant Gumbel. Deford will comment on the positive and negative aspects of sports today on Oct. 1.
* Lem Barney, a Pro Football Hall of Famer from his days as a Detroit Lion. Now a local minister, Barney will speak on Oct. 15.
* Joe Dumars, a former Detroit Pistons great who is now the team’s president of basketball operations. Dumars will offer comments on his career both on and off the basketball court on Oct. 29.
Tickets for each of the Speakers Series presentations are $15 or $5 for students/seniors/military. The Speakers Series presentations all begin at 7 p.m. A limited number of tickets that include a 5:30-6:30 p.m. wine reception with the speaker as well as the presentation are $30. Tickets to all four presentations and receptions are available for $100. To purchase Speakers Series tickets, call 586.286.2222 or visit www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com
With the exception of the Speaker’s Series, most of the presentations are free, though advance registration is requested by calling 586.445.7348 or emailing www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
Among the free presentations includes programs focused on:
* Race relations: “Black Power in Green and White: Michigan State Football in the Civil Rights Era,” 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Oct. 2; “The Negro Baseball Leagues: An American Legacy,” 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Oct. 9; and “Joe Louis: The Great Black Hope,” 11 a.m. Nov. 5.
* Sports broadcasters: Anne Doyle, one of the first women hired in a major market as a sports reporter and anchor, 2 p.m. Oct. 4; Bill Littlefield, host of NPR’s “Only a Game,” offers his perspective, 2 p.m. Nov. 8; and a history of Detroit sportscasters, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Nov. 12.
* Sports economics: “From Glory Days: Successful Transitions of Professional Detroit Athletes,” 1 p.m. Sept. 24; “Economic Impact of Sports,” 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Oct. 15; and “My Life as a Sports Agent,” 1 p.m. Oct. 21.
The Leadership Macomb organization is co-sponsoring a luncheon program with the cultural center on Oct. 22 to examine “Bo’s Lessons in Leadership.” The noon luncheon will feature a presentation from journalist and author John U. Bacon, who authored a book examining the leadership fundamentals taught and exhibited by University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler. The noon luncheon is $25 and registration with the cultural center must be made by Oct. 9.
The More Than A Game exhibit 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. SuperWomen, a special exhibit on loan from the Women Sports Foundation, highlights female athletes.
The Lorenzo Cultural Center is located on Macomb Community College’s Center Campus, Garfield & M-59, Clinton Township. The cultural center center is open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Additional information about the cultural center and on the More Than A Game program series is available at www.lorenzoculturalcenter.com.
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.
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