Perry Wallace was the first African American basketball player to play in the Southeastern Conference. He and his family were from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, but moved to Nashville when Perry was a young boy. Perry attended Pearl High School where he was one of their best players. In 1966, Pearl won the state championship, at Vanderbilt's Memorial Gym. This was significant because they were the first African American school to win a TSSAA state championship. By this time Perry was being recruited by various schools. His top two were Vanderbilt and Kentucky. He liked Kentucky because of the rich basketball tradition, but did not particularly care for their Coach Adolph Rupp. Rupp had been skeptical to recruiting African American players. Vandy on the other hand provided him with the opportunity to play basketball and get a quality education. Wallace was very impressed with head coach Roy Skinner too. Skinner on his visit to the Wallace home, referred to Perry's parents as Mr. and Mrs. Wallace. This was something that was unheard of in the south at that time. This act of respect made an impact on Perry and his family. In the end he decided to go and play his college ball at Vanderbilt. He was able to break down many barriers, but also was the target of racism from several fans and other players and coaches at rival schools. Like at Pearl High, Perry was a great player for the Commodores. Many of his records still stand today both at Vandy, and in the SEC. Today Perry Wallace can be found teaching law in Washington D.C. Thanks to Perry Wallace many minorities now have the opportunity to play athletics across the South.
Perry Wallace in action against the Kentucky Wildcats at Memorial Gym.
Coach Roy Skinner (left) chats with Adolph Rupp before a game at Memorial Gym. Skinner was a Kentucky native.
Vanderbilt's Memorial Gym is one of the most historic and unique basketball arenas in the SEC and the country.
Perry Wallace today. He has been the recipient of multiple honors from Vanderbilt and the SEC.
The book Strong Inside details not only the life of Perry Wallace, but also the Civil Rights movement in the South. I highly recommend it.
Stay tuned for more blog posts about tales from Tennessee and beyond.
