Perry Wallace facts for kids

Perry Eugene Wallace Jr. (born February 19, 1948 – died December 1, 2017) was an important American lawyer and professor. He made history as the first African-American athlete to play basketball with a scholarship in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). He played for Vanderbilt University. His inspiring story is told in the book Strong Inside.

Perry Wallace's Early Life and Education

Perry Wallace grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. He went to Pearl High School, which was a segregated school at the time. He was a brilliant student, earning straight A's. He was also the valedictorian of his class.

Basketball Star at Pearl High School

Perry was an amazing basketball player. He helped his high school team go undefeated. They won the school's first state championship in integrated basketball. Because of his skills, he was named a high school All-American athlete.

Breaking Barriers at Vanderbilt University

Many colleges wanted Perry to play for them. In 1966, he chose to attend Vanderbilt University. He was one of two African-American players who joined Vanderbilt that year. The other player, Godfrey Dillard, got injured and later transferred.

In 1967, Perry Wallace became the first black scholarship athlete to play basketball in the Southeastern Conference. This was a very big step for sports and civil rights.

Challenges and Achievements at College

Perry's teammates generally welcomed him. However, traveling with the team was often tough. He sometimes faced mean words and rough play from opposing teams. Despite these challenges, he completed all four years at Vanderbilt. He was the first black athlete to do so at an SEC school.

In 1970, Perry graduated with a degree in engineering. He was then drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers professional basketball team. That same year, he received the Bachelor of Ugliness award. This was a special and respected student prize. Perry shared that he sometimes felt lonely during his four years at Vanderbilt. He faced small acts of unkindness and a lack of true friendship from some people.

After Perry's time at Vanderbilt, more black athletes joined SEC basketball teams. This included teams from Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, and Georgia.

Law School and Legal Career

Perry Wallace continued his education after college. He earned his law degree (J.D.) from Columbia University in 1975.

Perry Wallace's Professional Career

After law school, Perry Wallace became a trial attorney. He worked for the United States Department of Justice. There, he focused on natural resources and environmental law.

In 1992, he was chosen to join the Environmental Policy advisory council. This council advises the EPA. In 1993, he became a law professor. He taught at The American University Washington College of Law. He taught classes on environmental law, corporate law, and finance.

Honors and Legacy

Perry Wallace received many honors for his achievements and courage.

• 1966: He was recruited by many colleges and chose Vanderbilt.
• 2003: He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
• 2004: Vanderbilt University honored him by retiring his basketball jersey, number 25. This means no other player at Vanderbilt will wear that number.
• 2017: A movie about his life was made. It is called Triumph: The Untold Story of Perry Wallace. You can learn more at perrywallacefilm.com.
• 2021: The United States Basketball Writers Association renamed an award after him. The men's award for courage in college basketball is now called the Perry Wallace Most Courageous Award.

Wallace's #25 was retired by Vanderbilt in 2004