Top Left: FSW President Jeff Allbritten and Athletic Director Dr. Kevin Lynum pose with members of Luther Adams II's family at center court.
Top Right: Dr. Kevin Lynum poses with Luther Adams II's son, Rashad Shabazz, and his wife, Ceciliy Shabazz.
Bottom Left: Local media capture the unveiling of the display case as members of Luther Adams II's family look on.
Bottom Right: FSW student London Noles speaks with Rashad Shabazz in front of the new display case honoring his father.
About 20 members of Luther Adams’ family gathered at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) as the college honored the man who changed the game.
In 1967, Adams became the first African American student-athlete at Edison Junior College, now FSW, who played on the college's basketball team.
FSW unveiled a display case in Adams’ honor in the lobby of Suncoast Credit Union Arena. The case includes photos, memorabilia and a plaque commemorating his legacy.
“It is much more than a display case with a plaque, photos and memorabilia,” FSW President Jeff Allbritten said. “We hope it will become a place where our students and visitors can feel inspired. They will know the story of someone who helped create the world we inherited.”
For some students, that inspiration was immediate.
FSW student London Noles approached the display case during the event and met Rashad Shabazz, Adams’ son. Noles told Shabazz he wished he had known Adams. Shabazz responded by sharing a story about his father’s determination.
“He told me one time that he walked into the gym and he overhead a conversation from the other team. That they didn’t want to play against Edison because there was a Black man on their team, and ‘who did he think he was?” Shabazz said. “And he walked by them, and said, ‘I’m going to show you.’ ”
Shabazz said Adams answered racism not with words, but with his work. On the court, Adams played with intensity and purpose, once breaking a backboard and delaying a game.
FSW Athletics Director Kevin Lynum also delivered remarks at the unveiling of the case. Lynum, who is African American said, "I recognize that I stand on the shoulders of trailblazers like Luther Adams. His courage helped create opportunities for generations of student-athletes and leaders, including myself. And that is something I do not take lightly."
Adams, a LaBelle native, went on to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers and the Carolina Cougars.
“I’m so proud that he’s my cousin and he did a lot of good things,” said Roscoe Brown. “It’s a great thing that now other students and people will know about him and what he did for all of us.”
After a brief professional career, Adams returned to Florida, where he worked for Tampa Electric Co.
Throughout the evening, students stopped to take in the new display case, which will remain in Suncoast Credit Union Arena as a tribute to Adams and the doors he opened.
“It is overwhelming. They will know my dad. And that’s a great thing and he will live on because they know him,” Shabazz said.
To view coverage of the event, visit: WINK News Luther Adams Tribute, Gulf Coast News Luther Adams tribute
Top Left: Terry Thimlar, son of the late Coach Hugh Thimlar, who coached Luther Adams II, poses for a photo with Rashad Shabazz.
Top Right: FSW students take the opportunity to meet members of Luther Adams II's family during the dedication.
Bottom Left: "The display case will keep my father's story alive for future students," Shabazz said.
Bottom Right: President Jeff Allbritten addresses members of Luther Adams II's the family before the unveiling of the new display case.