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The 2018 Hall of Fame inductee class consisted of nine
individuals who span various sports. Kimberly Bates
graduated from DeVilbiss High School and University of
Toledo. She was known as a triple threat because she
excelled at three sports: volleyball, basketball and track.
Truman Claytor graduated from Scott High School and the
University of Kentucky. His basketball skills earned him
several awards, a sixth-round draft pick for Detroit Pistons
and free agent status with the 76ers. “Earning this
recognition means the world to me. After playing for all
those years, I’m honored to be inducted among these amazing
athletes,” said Claytor.
Meshawn Graham graduated from Bowsher High School and Tiffin
University. Her track career continued as an Olympic Trial
qualifier in 2008 and she was able to represent the USA on
the Youth World Team in the Czech Republic. “I’m excited to
be acknowledged and to be seen in this light. I’m still
amazed that it has been over 10 years, a decade since those
moments in my life,” saidd Graham.
William Buford graduated from Libbey High School and
attended The Ohio State University. His basketball career
allowed him to travel overseas and play in Spain and
Germany, and play in the 2013 NBA summer league and Santa
Cruz Warriors.
Carvella Holmes Smith graduated from Scott High School and
Eastern Kentucky University. Her track career earned her a
qualification for the 1988 Olympic trials, and several
records during her high school and college career.
Christina Johnson graduated from Libbey High School and the
University of Phoenix. She continued to set records while
serving her country in the Army. She was stationed in
Germany for six years.
Herbert Mickles graduated from Waite High School. His boxing
career earned him two Golden Gloves Bantam titles and Golden
Gloves Crown all by 1952. Recently known as Coach Herb, he’s
coached the next generations of athletes at Lincoln, and the
TPD Police Athletic League until his retirement in 2017.
Carmen Williamson was involved with USA Amateur Boxing in
the 1980s, and travelled to several counties teaching boxing
skills. In 1984 he earned a metal for officiating the
Olympic Games, becoming the first African American to
receive that honor.
Dr. John McKay Williams, DDS, graduated from Libby High
School and University of Minnesota. His football career led
to becoming a NFL first-round draft pick for the Baltimore
Colts, played in two Super Bowls, and finished his NFL
career with the Los Angeles Rams. His wife attended the
weekend’s ceremony and received his award.
“It’s incredibly hard to decide honorees each year. You’ll
never knew how many great athletes are from this great city.
Our list is long, and tough to select honorees on an annual
basis, but we appreciate the community’s support and
patience,” explained AALP Sports Legends Committee Chairman
Ken Cunningham.
The African American Sports’ Legends of Northwest Ohio is a
component of the African American Legacy Project of
Northwest Ohio (AALP). The AALP’s founder and CEO is Robert
Smith. The Sports Legends Committee included: Ken
Cunningham; Co-Chairman Leroy Bates; Brandy Adams, George
Snelling and Bill Stewart; At large members are Douglas
Allen, Robert Bates, Land Battles, Terry Crosby, Ivn Evans,
John “Pops” Fisher, Robert Goree, Wes Harper, William “Bill”
Hayes, Jackie Allen Jackson, James Jones, Willie Loper,
Eddie Norrils, Robert Shorter, Carnel Smith and Keith Mathis
Smith.
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Carmen Williamson, with daughters Celia Williamson
and Carmenita Ross and friend Carla Johnson
Carvella Holmes Smith, pictured with her parents Mr.
and Mrs. Holmes and friend Michelle Logan
Dawn Scotland and Jan Scotland
Truman Claytor and his son, Peanut
Meshawn Graham
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Family of deceased honoree John Williams_ brothers
Bishop James and Allen Williams and wife Barbara
Williams, PhD.
Herbert Mickles and his family
Iris Redman, Beverly Henson Brooks, and Essie
Wiggins
Kim and Willie Ward
William Buford pictured with son Christian and wife
Ivelisse
Ward Barnett and Kimberly Bates |
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