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View a one-minute video of highlights from the ceremony.

On May 18, ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ unveiled a statue of NBA executive and basketball icon Wayne Embry (¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ ’58). The university also presented Embry and his late wife, Theresa “Terri” Embry (¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ ’60), with the Freedom Summer of ’64 Award, which is bestowed each year upon a distinguished leader who has inspired the nation to advance civil rights and social justice.

See more photos and videos from the ceremony on and . 

The Freedom Summer of '64 Award honors the Embrys’ lifetime of commitment to social justice, for breaking racial barriers and for their mentorship.

“Over the last year, our nation has undergone tremendous reckoning on issues of racism, social justice, equity, equality and inclusion. Those of us who fight for change today, stand on the shoulders of the great women and men like Terri and Wayne Embry, who were on the front lines of the civil rights movement in the 1960s,” ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ President Gregory Crawford said. “Advocating for racial justice and equality is never a linear path. It is never easy, popular or safe, but it is always necessary ... We honor the Embrys today for their strength, their courage and their lifelong dedication to civil rights, equity and equality.”

As he accepted the award, Embry spoke of Terri, his wife of 62 years, and her advocacy work. 

“I’m only the recipient of about 25 percent of this award. The other 75 percent goes to my beloved wife, Terri,” Embry said. “Because she’s the one who was an advocate for change, from her high school days to her days at ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ … She was a great mentor to a lot of young people. She was a great advocate of change.”

The new statue, which stands at the south entrance of Millett Hall, the basketball arena, . Private donations funded creation of the statue and a Wayne Embry Scholarship, which will support ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ varsity men’s basketball student-athletes. Embry said he is humbled by the honor and hopes he will inspire future ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒans.

“I came to ¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ and fell in love with the place and still am,” Embry said. “Love and Honor.” 

¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ stories on the Embrys and Freedom Summer of ‘64

Embry poses with the statue in front of Millett Hall. 

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News Media Coverage Highlights

Dayton Daily News | May 19

•   This story also appeared in the Journal-News. 

Cincinnati Enquirer | May 18

•   This story ran in more than 15 other media outlets including the Akron Beacon Journal, the Ashland Times-Gazette and the Daily Record.  

Forbes | May 13

Dayton Daily News | May 3

•  This story also appeared in the Journal-News.

ABC WCPO Ch. 9 | May 18

¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ unveils Wayne Embry statue

NBC WLWT Ch. 5 | May 18

¾Ã¾ÃË®ÃÛÌÒ honors Wayne Embry

• (May 19)

CBS WKRC Ch. 12 | May 18

FOX WXIX Ch. 19 | May 18 

Wayne Embry Day