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ARTS & CULTURE
11
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'Fast Break: The Legendary John McLendon' screened at Lawrence Public Library for MLK Day
Kevin Willmott, director of "Fast Break," speaks with an audience member after the showing at Lawrence Public Library.
BRITTANIE SMITH
@britters__smith
n light of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Lawrence Public Library held a viewing Monday night of a documentary by the University's own Kevin Willmott, a professor of film and media studies His documentary "Fast Break: The Legendary John McLendon," ties into MLK Day with themes of struggle, persistence and overcoming.
Kristin Soper, Adult Events Coordinator for the library, said she had heard about the film
from her boss, and after doing some research decided it would be a great opportunity to show it for MLK Day, because of the film's resounding theme of perseverance. Willmott had shown films at the library before, so Soper was excited to share more of his work with the community.
"Fast Break" tells the story of John McLendon and his struggles for equality in the 40s and 50s. McLendon was the first African American student to earn his degree in physical education at the University, and studied under the legendary Dr.
James Naismith. They both shared similar qualities such as strong faith and a love for basketball. McLendon had found the perfect mentor.
Willmott captured the struggles of McLendon fighting for equality in the world of basketball and his efforts to end segregated teams. Throughout the documentary, McLendon was said to have a "Martin Luther King-like character" by many of his former players. He was persistent, a little stubborn, full of humor and peaceful in his endeavors. Instead of protesting, McLendon
liked to negotiate and prove his team's skill set, and he began to see results.
"He is the reason we have integrated basketball today." Willmott said.
McLendon became well-known for his style of basketball, called "the fast break," referred to in the film as "revolutionary, simple, but genius." He's also known for "The Secret Game" he held with his all-black team from the North Carolina School of Negroes, who played against an all white team from Duke University. This was the first time in history that black and white men
had competed on the same court. Following that game, another groundbreaking moment happened when the teams played again, but intermixed.
After over 20 years of coaching different teams and winning multiple awards for his endeavors, McLendon was soon inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame as a contributor in 1979, but was inducted again as a coach later in 2016. This distinct achievement was a step towards equality because he was the first African American coach to be inducted.
The story of McLendon's life through Willmott's film was a contribution to the celebration of Martin Luther King Day that not only showed the rich history, but progress that has happened in the basketball community.
"I'm honestly more of a March basketball fan, this might be heresy, but my favorite part was that Coach McLendon didn't let the world get him down," Soper said.
- Edited by Erin Brock
CHEF FROM PAGE 9
torever ago. My first job in Lawrence was at Johnny's Tavern on the north side."
Thompson also trained under a butcher in Italy, working 19 hours a day, six days a week for an entire month. After leaving his job at Teller's, Thompson asked Michael Beard, then head chef and co-founder of 715 for a job.
"I started off at the very bottom, as one of the daytime line cooks," Thompson said.
Despite this humble beginning, Thompson was able to work his way up to the position of sous chef. After nearly three years behind Beard, Thompson decided to quit, but he was in for a surprise.
"They called me like three weeks later, and they offered me this opportunity to come back and do the whole thing," Thompson said.
While executive chef at
715. Thompson honed his craft, creating food that is "deceptively simpler" than it seems.
In April 2016, Thompson spent a month in France where he learned how he could use food to live a "pretty fulfilled life." Thompson's time in France might contribute to what led him to leave 715. The chef was concerned for his own "spiritual health" in an industry that tends to wear on those in it.
In the future, Thompson
plans to partner with his friends at Lawrence Vintage Cycle to run a food trailer at the shop. The acclaimed chef emphasizes being able to cook everything within the trailer, and what it could bring to North Lawrence, an area that Thompson views as under-served.
"The plan is to bring to this part of town that, I think gets overlooked quite a bit, food that is 90 to 100 percent organic and sustainable," Thompson said.
Taylor Petrehn,
co-founder of Barker Bakery in East Lawrence and also a friend and inspiration to Zach, knows firsthand the struggle and success of starting his own culinary business.
"When you start something on your own, you can call all the shots," Petrehn said. "Yet, you have to take care of the people around you."
When asked if he might collaborate with Thompson in the future, Petrehn said he "wouldn't be surprised."
For now, Thompson spends his days pondering his plans for the trailer and his future as a chef. As he stands on his back porch looking over north Lawrence, he continues to believe this is a place he wants to be in the future. He hopes the power of food will inspire the people that inhabit it.
Edited by Ashley Hocking
785-864-4358
POLICE OFFICERS
**City of Lawrence**
The Police Dept is now accepting online applications & testing candidates interested in becoming a Police Officer. To qualify you must be a U.S. Citizen, have a least a HS/GED edu & be min 21yrs of age by 05/29/2017. Starting pay is $21.17 w/edu & equip benefits. Academy provides full pay. Must pass City phy/drug screen. Apply by 02/24/2017.
Just Submit Completed Online Application
To Complete App Go To:
www.Lawrenceeks.org/Jobs
EOE M/F/D
Visit us online at:
www.lawrencepolice.org
Must Submit Completed Online
Program Consultant
KS Dept of Health & Environment is seeking a Program Consultant in The Bureau of Disease Control & Prevention. This position is responsible for understanding the complex nuances of the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) funded by HRSA. The ADAP works in conjunction with the Ryan White Part B program to provide lifesaving medications to Kansans with HIV Requires 1 YR exp. in planning, implementing & monitoring activities relevant to the agency's programs. Bachelor's in Public Health, Health Education or Social Work preferred. Go online for details about this position (Req#185740) and how to apply at www.jobs.ks.gov E.O.E
Seasonal, Temporary
City of Lawrence
The 2017 Seasonal Job Bulletin is now open with the City of Lawrence Parks & Recreations Dept. There are many P/T temporary seasonal jobs available.
To Apply Please Go To
www.LawrenceKS.org/jobs
EOE M/F/D
Busy property mgmt. co. now hiring P/T receptionist/leasing agent. F/T summer availability required. No experience necessary but must have good customer service skills, a valid driver license and good driving record. Please apply in person at Garber Enterprises. 5030 Bob Billings Pkw. Suite A, Lawrence, KS 66049
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