The announcement was made on March 6, 1972 50 years ago and Embry immediately got to work in his new position, becoming the first Black GM in the history of professional sports. 2023 Miami University. His service further included the College of Education, Health and Societys (EHS) advisory board, with Terri, who died on Aug. 27, 2020 at age 82. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion. Wayne Embry: Raptors' anthem stance similar to Selma-to - Andscape Select the best result to find their address, phone number, relatives, and public records. Embry went on to play in the NBA from 1959 to 1969 for several successful franchises, including the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks. Wayne Embry Facebook, Instagram & Twitter on PeekYou Wayne Embry, the NBA's first Black general manager, opens up about the racism he and his family experienced. I think weve made tremendous progress and I think it runs in cycles, coaching, front office, Embry said. He was then traded closer to home weeks later to the Cincinnati Royals. The meaning of Embrys milestone promotion wasnt, and hasnt been, lost on others. that is degrading to another person. Invalid password or account does not exist. After using the No. He also has a road named in his honour in Clark County, Ohio. Crimestoppers | Cadiz Record | Kentucky New Era Wayne Embry's age 81 years. Wayne Embry, Jr. - President & Chief Executive Officer - LinkedIn No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism After scoring over 1,400 points and grabbing over 1,100 rebounds at Miami, he went to the NBA where he was a. Fifty years ago March 6, 1972 to be exact a Milwaukee man became the first Black general manager of a. Embry was named Milwaukee's general manager in 1971, becoming the first Black man to hold that position in pro sports. Wayne Embry was inducted to the Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 1999 (Full List) He led the MAC in scoring and rebounding in two seasons and still holds several school records, including best career rebounding average (15.5). He also served as a member of Miami's Board of Trustees for 14 years, including one year as chair.[9]. It was the relationship that he built with Wes [Pavalon, original Bucks owner] that made Wes say, Yknow what, this is my best candidate. Wayne Embrey - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages North Shore Rubber, +4 more. Wayne Embry, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer Cuyahoga Falls, OH. The low number of Black general managers has persisted over the years. The Bucks made it to the playoffs four times during his eight seasons as general manager. There [was], of course, some dissonance not so much general managers or management, but there were coaches and even some of my own staff who said that I was incompetent and didnt deserve to be in the job, but thats their problem, said Embry, whose teams made the playoffs four times when he worked with the Bucks and who was instrumental in promoting Don Nelson, now the second-winningest coach in NBA history, to his first head-coaching job in 1976. (54 years old). AP Photo/Jamie-Andrea Yanak When it comes to civil rights history there's a hole in our collective memory. If you didnt have an Afro, you werent Black. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages. After graduating from Tecumseh High School, Embry attended Miami University and graduated in 1958 with his B.S. I had no idea that a Black man could rise to such heights other than playing in sports, he said. Note, this is done in an automated way, so we apologize for any errors, & please. C. B. was born in Louisville, Ky. on July 29, 1941 to the late Carlos B. Sr. and Zora Romans Embry. That had to make his father, former 90s Bulls standout Ron Harper, beam with pride. It's also available for football, hockey and baseball. He played with NBA Hall of Fame inductee Bill Russell and contributed significantly to the Boston Celtics team that won the 1968 NBA Championship. Six days after landing the job, Embry told a reporter: Over the years, Ive been subjected to abuse like all Blacks have, but I never stopped being a man. Wayne Lee Embrey "JR" MILLINGTON Wayne Lee Embrey (JR.) of Millington, MD passed away at his home on Sat. Wayne Embry Jr. July 12, 1967 - October 20, 2021 (54 years old) Shelton, Connecticut Give a memorial tree Plant a tree Light a candle Illuminate their memory Wayne Embry Jr. Obituary We are sad to announce that on October 20, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Wayne Embry Jr. of Shelton, Connecticut, born in Norwalk, Connecticut. "Jr." worked at several different jobs over the years but delivering newspapers was always the job he came back too. Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Basketball Reference Database. From 1985 to 1992, Embry served as vice president and general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers. . NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network. Wayne Embry weighed 240 lbs (108 kg) when playing. Wayne A. Embry, Jr., age 54 of Shelton, died at the Norwalk Hospital on October 20, 2021 after a long and strong battle of cancer. Embry: NBA season should resume to be 'model for the greater society Embry went to Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Authorize the publication of the original written obituary with the accompanying photo. Threats of harming another Mr. Embry's remains will arrive at the church one hour prior to his service. Wayne Embry, the NBA's first Black general manager, opens up about the racism he and his family experienced. Embry began his NBA career in 1958 with the Cincinnati Royals, where he played eight seasons, including the final four as team captain. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Embry, 67, is married to Terri, and is the father of three children: Debbie, Jill and Wayne Jr. In lieu of flowers contributions can be sent to the Millington Volunteer Fire Company P.O. He was also predeceased by his daughter, Holly Jo. But apparently it wasnt based on color because no one was pushing for Wayne to be a GM. Embry has been a trustee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame since 1974 and has served on various senior-level committees for the NBA and USA Basketball. After graduating from Miami (Ohio) University in 1958, Embry played 11 seasons in the NBA with the Cincinnati Royals, Celtics and Bucks, winning a championship in 1968 with Boston. Wayne A. Embry, Jr., age 54 of Shelton, died at the Norwalk Hospital on October 20, 2021 after a long and strong battle of cancer. As Royals star and former Embry teammate Oscar Robertson was pushing for an exit from his team during the 1969-70 season, Pavalon asked Embry what he thought of possibly bringing the disgruntled All-Star to Milwaukee. Right, Born: Embry played crucial reserve minutes for Russell and aided that team's surprising 196768 NBA title run. A visitation will be held on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, from 6-8 pm at Fellows Family Funeral Home 370 Cypress St. Millington, MD. Embry was originally drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in 1958. Wayne was born in Norwalk on July 12, 1967, the son of Wayne Embry, Sr. and Sandra (Krausse) Embry. College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com, Scores from any date in BAA/NBA or ABA history, Frequently Asked Questions about the NBA, WNBA and Basketball, Basketball-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Basketball: Get your first month FREE. He played college basketball at Miami of Ohio from 1955 to 1958 and was selected 22nd overall in the 1958 NBA Draft by the St. Louis Hawks. 8 overall out of his alma mater of Miami Ohio. Examples include Andrew Nicholson, Jaren Jackson Jr, and Dexter Pittman. Oscar Robertson arrived to the team in 1960, reviving the Royals. Waynes family will receive friends at the Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Ave., Norwalk on Saturday, October 30 from 1-4 PM with a memorial service at 3 PM. Theresa later moved to Dayton to attend Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Jefferson Township High School. WAYNE EMBRY | NBA.com - National Basketball Association -- Terry Pluto, Akron Beacon Journal Wayne Embry's book, The Inside Game, is a compelling, thought-provoking journey from his . After graduating from Tecumseh High School, Embry attended Miami University and graduated in 1958 with his B.S. Wayna Embry, senior basketball adviser for the Raptors, . Keep it Clean. While most media reports led with the milestone being established, the morning Milwaukee Sentinels story did not even mention Embrys race. Under his direction the Cavaliers won 40 or more games 10 times, 50 or more on three occasions and advanced to the Eastern Conference Final in 1992. He went on to become the first African American NBA team president with the Cavaliers in 1994. In 1964 in Oxford at what was then the Western College for Women but is now part of Miami Universitys Western campus Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) leader Bob Moses led the training of 800 college students to travel south to register African American voters. Wayne Embry was born in Springfield, Ohio. Honoring the career of Wayne Embry, the first Black general manager in pro sports. That changed everything, Chones said. He was 37. . He earned a bachelor of science degree in education and a minor in business administration from Miami. Wayne Embrey We found 44 records for Wayne Embrey in MD, VA and 12 other states. He was a former member of the Ischoda Yacht Club and loved fishing and boating. PISCATAWAY, NJ - MARCH 06: Ron Harper Jr. #24 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images). He played high school football and baseball and later played in mens softball leagues. [4] The next season, 196364 Cincinnati Royals surged to the second-best record in the NBA, with teammate Jerry Lucas now added. Wayne Richard Embry (born March 26, 1937) is a retired American basketball player and basketball executive. Miami strives to honor the legacy of those who worked for civil rights and social justice and, in the case of Michael Schwerner, 24, James Chaney, 21, and Andrew Goodman, 20, Freedom Summer activists who gave their lives in service to humanity. Wayne is also survived by his loving siblings David Embry (Kim), Kim Embry (Jackie), and Shannon Embry Sherwood (David), his niece Paige Embry, nephews John Embry Sligo and Cole Embry, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. [2] He became the fourth player in Miami history to have his jersey (23) retired. The importance of saying "I love you" during COVID-19, Effective ways of dealing with the grieving process, Solutions to show your sympathy safely during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Rutgers ace was a worthy prospect irrespective of his last name, as he was the unquestioned best player on a Scarlet Knights team that pulled off a half-dozen upsets against some of the countrys best teams. Basketball Team Manager, Favorite Vacation Spot: Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. After retiring as a player he became the first African-American NBA general manager, managing the Milwaukee Bucks (19721979), Cleveland Cavaliers (19861999), and Toronto Raptors (2006). He overcame racial barriers as one of the university's first Black student-athletes. A native of Springfield, Ohio, Embry was a two-time honourable mention All-America selection at Miami (Ohio) University. Mr. Embry passed away on March 3, 2019. The 6-foot-8, 240-pound Embry was known as The Wall during his playing days for his ability to set solid picks. [11], On May 18, 2021, Miami University unveiled a statue which stands at the south entrance of Millett Hall, the university's basketball arena. In 1985, he became vice president and general manager of the Cleveland Cavaliers and rose to the role of Cavaliers executive vice president in 1992. Current address for Ted is 1322 Debbs Lanes, Chesapeake, VA 23320-8202. Embry served in that capacity for eight years leading the Bucks to two seasons of 59 or more wins and four postseason appearances, including the 1974 Finals. [1], Embry earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Miami.[3]. Celtics history: Heinsohn hired coach; Embry traded for; Douglas born 58 reasons why lets work @Raptors https://t.co/BgfLJ3Q6ab. We got a good nucleus, Embry said of making lemonade from lemons. Looking at 5 key stats heading into Saturday's clash between top East teams Philadelphia and Milwaukee. State Senator Carlos B. Embry Jr., "C. B.", 81, of Morgantown, passed away Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 at the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky. Born March 26, 1937, Wayne was raised in Springfield, Ohio. NB60s: Wayne "The Wall" Embry - YouTube So, Embry called Robertson, told him to come join him with the Bucks, and the team won the championship the very next season. Data Provided By Wayne attended Norwalk schools and worked for many years as a painter. She earned a bachelors degree in education from Miami and later served on EHSs Teachers Advisory Committee. Wayne was born in Norwalk on July 12, 1967, the son of Wayne Embry, Sr. and Sandra (Krausse) Embry. NBA Hall of Famer Wayne Embry, who was the first African American to become a general manager in pro sports, believes players should use their voices by continuing to play during the current . Get the box score, shot charts and play by play summary of the Grizzlies vs Nuggets, March 3, 2023. The Grizzlies say their star guard will be away from the team for 'at least' the next 2 games. A native of Springfield, Ohio, whose father worked at an auto body shop, Embry was the first Black student at Tecumseh High. Tecumseh in New Carlisle, Ohio, Draft: To me, its a job, and I just want to work hard at it.. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, As a matter of fact, I was pleased with how everyone embraced me. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. A 6-foot-11 center, Chones had left the unbeaten Warriors weeks before to sign with the New York Net of the American Basketball Association. Born in Pensacola, Florida, on December 6, 1936, he was the son of the late Gordon and Eleanor Embry. "Jr." enjoyed shooting pool, working on cars, bowling, going mudding, hunting, watching the Baltimore Ravens football games and shooting sporting clays. He was enshrined in the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame in 1998 and in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999. When Embry was the GM of the Cleveland Cavaliers, his inaugural 1986 draft featured so much wheeling and dealing that he drafted two future All-Stars and one five-time champ in the first 25 picks. But four years later, after growing tired of playing in Milwaukee, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, by then a three-time MVP, asked to be traded. He was in an area that, at that time, Black people werent very involved in. NBA on MLK Day: Canadian Jamal Murray, Wayne Embry headline league-wide Donald Wayne Embry U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries Name Donald Embry U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current Death, Burial, Cemetery & Obituaries Name Donald James Embry Rick Embry or anything. Take a look back at every induction class for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. OTTO EMBRY OBITUARY HATFIELD - Otto William Embry Sr., 73, of Hatfield, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro, Ky. Otto was born in Ohio County,. But I had a job to do regardless of what ethnic background I was.. He was chosen as NBA Executive of the Year by Sporting News magazine in 1992 and 1998. Embry, a Dayton-area native, was a standout basketball player at Miami from 1954-1958. Center The Butler County native was a retired logger and of the Church of God of Prophecy faith. Time will tell if Harper can live up to his fathers legacy at the professional level. can stop at any time. In recognition of his career both on the court and in the front office, he was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame as a contributor to the sport in 1999. If the Raptors get one-fifth of that production out of his son, getting him in a two-way will have been a steal of a deal. He became the NBA's first Black. As with most big, round anniversaries, its hard for many to believe how much time has passed. As a two-time all-Mid-American Conference center, Embry, a team captain, led the then-Redskins to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1957 and 1958. Bobby Webster cant confirm Ron Harper Jr. signing, but notes that Wayne Embry selected his dad in Cleveland. . Zion United Methodist Church in Philadelphia, Mississippi, in 2019; radio broadcaster and civil rights advocate Joe Madison, and Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins, the first woman of color to be elected president of the League of Women Voters, both in 2020. Do you have a sports website? Embry was enshrined at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. After his playing career, Embry transitioned to a career as a professional basketball executive, becoming the first African-American general manager and team president in NBA history. Best Match Powered by Whitepages Premium AGE 60s Wayne L Embrey Sr Millington, MD View Full Report Addresses Legion Rd, Millington, MD Still Pond Neck Rd, Worton, MD Relatives He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. We present them here for purely educational purposes. Wayne Embree - Address & Phone Number | Whitepages That was huge.. By Margo Kissell, university news and communications. Wayne Embry embodies and lives by P words: preparation, perception, perseverance, persistence, pride and passion. Her community volunteer experience spanned the Midwest, having served as board chair of two different Urban League affiliates, in Cleveland and Milwaukee. Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999, a five-time All-Star as a player and a two-time NBA Executive of the Year, Embry also broke barriers in the front office. In 2004, Embry became senior basketball advisor to the president of the Toronto Raptors, a position in which he continues to serve. Occupation(s): Or, being so familiar with Embry, his NBA background and his work to that point for the Bucks, did they simply treat it like a logical promotion? When I was asked to come back to join, I had no intention of joining because I didnt think it was possible, Embry told Andscape. Reading Time: 2 mins read. In Embrys time as an executive with the Bucks which began in 1970 after then-Bucks owner Wes Pavalon approached him when he was director of recreation for the city of Boston about returning to the franchise as assistant to the president of the team he was instrumental in two pivotal transactions in the teams history. The Milwaukee Bucks made an odd bit of NBA history in the 1971-72 season when they accepted president and general manager Ray Pattersons resignation in February, effective April 30. We are sad to announce that on October 20, 2021 we had to say goodbye to Wayne Embry Jr. of Shelton, Connecticut, born in Norwalk, Connecticut. How Wayne Embry made history as general manager of the Milwaukee - WUWM Embry's 11-year playing career as a center/forward spanned from 1958 to 1969 playing for the Cincinnati Royals, Bost read more. Subscribe to this newsletter to have the latest obituaries delivered to your inbox twice weekly. Raptors' two-way has family connection 36 years in the making The Toronto Raptors front office trio of Masai Ujiri, GM Bobby Webster, and senior advisor Wayne Embry appears to have once again nailed the NBA Draft. ", Gebruiksvoorwaarden | Privacybeleid | Gepersonaliseerde advertenties | Europese Privacy Regelgeving | Cookiebeleid | Beheer voorkeuren, 2023 ESPN Enterprises, Inc. Alle rechten voorbehouden, Wayne Embry still striving for Black front-office progress as he receives NBA honor. According to a warrant for Morrow's arrest, he's facing charges of assault by strangulation, second-degree kidnapping and communicating threats. APG Chesapeake Tags Wayne Lee Embrey Millington Md Work. Embry was honored. While there, he was a star basketball player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In recalling that moment more recently, Embry, now 84, said being first crept up on him over the next few days. He was 37. CMPD to relocate fallen officer monument found dumped in creek bed 82 of Dayton, OH departed from this life to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 27, 2020. June 27, 1963 is the birth date of Ted. Joe "Jughead" Embry Jr. (1936-2009) - Find a Grave Memorial A unique and lasting tribute for a loved one. By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. Write your message of sympathy today. A portion of US Route 40 in front of Tecumseh High School near Springfield, Ohio was named in Wayne Embry's honor. In 1971, the Bucks captured the NBA championship, becoming the fastest expansion team in sports history to accomplish that feat. The same could be said for his early years in the Bucks front office. Alabama with Martin Luther King Jr. as part of a series of civil rights protests that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and spent the rest of her life fighting for . Wayne is qualified, and if a man is qualified, he should be doing the job, Robertson said back then. He propel Don Nelson into his first head coaching job to replace Larry Costello. Shoots: And he was actually involved in the process.. 2023 The HistoryMakers. Recently he had been participating in an online POGO league. Wayne Embry - Basketball-Reference.com Learn more and register. I said, Youll be instant champions, Embry recalled. Tyromer: Rubber Devulcanization It captures Embrys likeness and signature hook shot. Wayne Embry, Jr. - President & Chief Executive Officer - North Shore Rubber | LinkedIn Wayne Embry, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, United States 261 followers 256. After one season, Embry was elevated from senior advisor to president, bypassing Babcock in the chain of command when the board cited a lack of confidence in Babcock's moves. Embry - Wikipedia Embry would go on to work in the front offices of the Cleveland Cavaliers, where in 1994 he became the first Black team president in NBA history, and the Toronto Raptors. "Jr." had a great sense of humor and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Wayne Embrys basketball resume speaks for itself. Would you like to offer Wayne Embry Jr.s loved ones a condolence message? The 6-foot-8, 240-pound Embry was known. He was a member of the Morgantown First Baptist Church, a retired . March 26, 513-529-3257 (fax) Obituary for Walter Embry, Jr. - Anniston Funeral Services On January 26, 2006, Embry was named the interim general manager for the Raptors after the firing of Babcock, a position he held for two months until Bryan Colangelo was hired as the general manager. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in the book. Height: 6-8 (203cm) Weight: 240 (109kg) Current NBA Status: Unrestricted Free . Miami University will honor NBA executive and basketball icon Wayne Embry (Miami '58) and his late wife, Theresa Embry (Miami '60), with the Freedom Summer of '64 Award. The Memphis forward sustained the injury Friday night during the 1st quarter of the Grizzlies 113-97 loss to the Nuggets. Wayne Embry, Terri Embry to be honored by Miami University Echovita Inc is a registered trademark. Wayne Embry, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer. [5] However, the team was never able to surpass the Boston Celtics of Red Auerbach and Bill Russell, or the Philadelphia 76ers with Wilt Chamberlain in their quest for an NBA title. Honored for their decades-long commitment to social justice, the 2020 award recipients are Wayne Embry, George Raveling and Bill Russell. Miami University to honor Wayne Embry and his late wife, Terri, with the Freedom Summer of 64 Award, (He appears in Miamis video, From Now On. Lloyd, taken in the ninth round of the same 1950 draft as Clifton, and an eventual champion with the Syracuse Nationals (1954-55), is credited as the first Black player to play in an NBA game when he suited up for the Washington Capitols, the team that drafted him, on Oct. 31, 1950. Cooper was selected 14th overall in 1950, making him the first Black player to be drafted into the nascent league. Embry, Robertson and Jack Twyman were all NBA All-Stars for Cincinnati over the next three years. Yet, Embry never saw himself moving into a front-office role after his playing days. Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Carlos Embry Jr. of Morgantown, Kentucky, born in Louisville, Kentucky, who passed away at the age of 81, on September 29, 2022. Birthday March 26 and Born on 1937. Miami (Ohio) And NBA Help Basketball Hall Of Famer Wayne Embry - Forbes I dont think our directors gave color any consideration, and I think they should be commended for it. Funeral service for Walter Lee Embry, Jr. 78, will be on Saturday, March 9, at 1 pm at the St. Mary Baptist Church with Apostle Michael Truss, officiating. Wayne A. Embry, Jr., age 54 of Shelton, died at the Norwalk Hospital on October 20, 2021 after a long and strong battle of cancer. Share with Us. A Anderson, Jr., Calvin Anderson, Curtis Stovall Anderson, John W. Armstrong, Herbert E.* Armour, Leon J.A. Adande: Wayne Embry a pioneer no one mentions - ESPN.com Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was the face of the Milwaukee franchise, wrapping up his third NBA season after leading the Bucks to the 1971 championship in his second. No James Jones in Phoenix. Funeral Home website by. Be Nice. Wayne Embry averaged 12.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. Not just the NBA. Embry's 11-year playing career as a center spanned from 1958 to 1969 playing for the Cincinnati Royals, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, all of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Embry has continued to serve as senior basketball advisor for the Raptors. A three-level scorer built like a tank and has a long wingspan, Harpers bucket-getting potential could be enough to help him wiggle onto Torontos opening night roster. Or Doc Rivers getting to be GM and coach with the Clippers, Davis said. The winners will be formally recognized in May 2020 at the during Hall of Fame Enshrinement . Feb. 8: Billy Wayne Johnson, 20, for speeding 23 MPH over the posted speed limit. We won't share it with anyone else. Wayne Embry sits on the court with his retired jersey in the background (photo by Jeff Sabo). I looked in my refrigerator and it was full, I looked in his and it was empty, McGuire had said, referring to the Nets $1.5 million offer and the Chones familys struggles. We also provide public relations, media relations, and communications services and resources, as well as administrative information for members of the Miami community. A A. Your email will not be used for any other purpose. The university also presented Embry and his late wife, Theresa Terri Embry (Miami 60), with the Freedom Summer of 64 Award, which is bestowed each year upon a distinguished leader who has inspired the nation to advance civil rights and social justice.