The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame celebrated Black History Month by honoring the history of its African American Inductees.
The Hall kicked off a month-long celebration with a banquet and reception at Bridgestone Arena Wednesday night. The banquet featured multiple guest speakers and was hosted by former NewsChannel 5 sports director Hope Hines.
Guest speakers included State Representative Raumesh Akbari, former Tennessee Titans safety Blaine Bishop, Metro criminal court clerk and former Nashville Vice Mayor Howard Gentry, State Senator Thelma Harper and former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Lester McClain.
McClain was the first African American to play football at the University of Tennessee. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears but was released from the team prior to the season.
Each day during Black History Month, the Hall of Fame will highlight an outstanding African American Inductee on social media, and show a different movie in its theater every week.
HOF officials said their guest inductees highlighted the organization's ideals of educating youth through sports.
More information about the Hall and its events at tshf.net and on their Facebookand Twitter pages.
