The Tolson Society is named for Professor Melvin B. Tolson
Dr. Tolson is an American Author, Writer, and Poet, and Wiley University professor. His seminal former works include:
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"Melvin B. Tolson was a luminary in African-American literature. His poetry, both playful and intellectually sophisticated, resonated with the complexities of race and social justice. His words, like brushstrokes on a canvas, painted vivid pictures of struggle, resilience, and hope. Beyond poetry, Tolson was a debate coach who led a team that shattered barriers by engaging in interracial college debates against white institutions in the segregated South. Their courage and eloquence paved the way for change. In 2007, Denzel Washington portrayed Tolson’s remarkable journey in the film 'The Great Debaters.' The movie showcased the power of words, resilience, and the pursuit of justice."
- Oklahoma Museum of Popular Culture
