Fritz Pollard Alliance

News - Feb 6th, 2004

FRITZ POLLARD ALLIANCE TO PRESENT PAUL "TANK" YOUNGER AWARDS TO INDIANAPOLIS COLTS COACH TONY DUNGY AND MINNESOTA VIKINGS CONSULTANT FRANK GILLIAM

Established in March of 2003, the FPA is an affinity group of NFL minority coaches, scouts and front office personnel. Fritz Pollard was the first black coach in NFL history, coaching from 1921 through 1926, when NFL owners banned black players and coaches. The FPA's unwavering efforts resulted in the establishment of the NFL's Workplace Diversity Committee chaired by Dan Rooney. The Diversity Committee approved a Comprehensive Diversity program including the requirement that each team interview at least one minority candidate prior to selecting a head coach (the "Rooney Rule").

The award is named after Paul "Tank" Younger the first player in the NFL from a Historically Black College and the first African American to become a front office executive in the NFL. Last year, former Washington Redskin Bobby Mitchell was the award's first recipient. This year, the FPA will award Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy and Minnesota Viking consultant Frank Gilliam for their outstanding work over the years in helping to level the playing field and making life better for minorities. Awards will also be given to Dr. Janice Madden of the University of Pennsylvania and Detroit City Council Member Alonzo W. Bates for helping the FPA's struggle to achieve fair hiring practices. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Kenneth

For more information, please e-mail jlee@findjustice.com