The Great Debaters

The Wiley College debate team, which gained national prominence through the movie “The Great Debaters” in 2007, skillfully argued the pros and cons of the most talked about domestic issue of the day.

The event featured four Wiley College debate team members. Megan Moten and Caress Russell presented arguments for reforming the current system while Shakeisha Colman and Brittani Batts made a case for maintaining the status quo.

Former AARP Board member and Texas State President, Mary Scott, who debated health care in the 1940s and 1950s noted, "Here we are again debating health care." Edna Kane-Williams, vice president of AARP Multicultural Markets told the audience, "We need this kind of conversation in America and I am really proud to be here." In her remarks, Edna also emphasized the top three goals of AARP's involvement in health care reform: to protect Medicare; to have health care for all individuals; and to enable individuals to make their own health care decisions.

“The decisions being made in Washington today will have long-lasting consequences across generations,” said Bob Jackson, AARP Texas state director. “We’re thrilled to partner with Wiley College to have these bright young minds bring their unique perspective to the national health care conversation.”

As part of the ceremonies, AARP presented a check for $2,500 to the Wiley College debate team. The Association also hosted a reception following the debate for local elected officials, Wiley College faculty, staff and students, as well as AARP Texas staff and volunteers.

To learn more about the arguments raised during the debate, read the article that appeared on the front page of the Marshall News Messenger, the morning after the event.