Oct. 22, 2002

With a proclamation being read from SC Governor Hodges at the 2002 Freeman Memorial Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 24, USC head coach Curtis Frye and members of the NCAA champion track and field team will be part of the panel presentation entitled: “Celebrating the Empowerment of African-American Women Through Athletics”, honoring the 30th anniversary of Title IX. The panel is sponsored by the Women’s Studies program in the College of Liberal Arts.

The lecture will be held in Gambrell Hall on the USC campus at 7 pm and is open to the public. Coach Frye will speak on the empowerment of women in athletics and the two of USC’s most decorated athletes, Demetria Washington and Lisa Barber, will speak on Coach Frye’s panel as well. A reception will be held afterwards.

“Thanks to Title IX, young African American women and all women enjoy athletic opportunities that teach the teamwork and leadership skills that translate into success in many areas. Title IX has opened countless doors for many deserving young women, making our society stronger and our future brighter,” USC Head Coach Curtis Frye said.

Dr. Laura Woliver, Interim Director, Women’s Studies Program and Professor, Department of Government and International Studies, said, “The 30th anniversary of Title IX is an excellent opportunity to examine the role that athletics plays in empowering women. Coach Frye’s commitment to his sport and to the powerful role Title IX has played in opening doors for women throughout the country will ensure that this is a memorable presentation to faculty, students, and sports and community leaders alike.”

Team Co-Captain Me’Lisa Barber earned a gold medal in the 2001 World University Games and has been named an NCAA champion, 4-time SEC champion, and 11-Time All American. Demetria Washington was part of the four-woman team that set a school record while propelling the USC team to the national championship in June, 2002. She was 2001 Indoor 400m NCAA champion, ran in the World Championships and was the champion in two events in the World University Games.

This annual lecture was established in 1993 by the Women’s Studies Program in memory of Adren?e Glover Freeman, a Columbia attorney who was active in civic affairs and served on the Community Advisory Board of the Women’s Studies Program.

In addition to the Lecture, Women’s Studies and its Partnership Council are planning other events celebrating the success of Title IX. These events will include girls and women involved in sports from throughout the community, as well as showcasing our excellent USC women scholar-athletes. For further information, contact the Women’s Studies Program Office at 777-4007 and/or visit the web site at http://www.cla.sc.edu/WOST