Earl Wilson Jr. is the founder and first CEO of the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and the visionary force behind the concept “It’s more than a football game.” He nurtured that baby through infancy and pre-adolescence. As the foundation reached young adulthood, it was passed off to his son, Richard Gray.
Sometimes when I was in the neighborhood of the Gateway Classic Foundation, I would drop by to see if Mr. Wilson was there. I would go to the door of his office to see if he was busy. If he was and he happened to see me, Mr. Wilson would wave forcefully for me to come in.
“But Mr. Wilson, you have company.”
“Aw, he ain’t nobody! Come on in and sit down,” he’d say.
Luckily, I would know the other person who just got dissed and we would have a big laugh.
Experiencing Earl Wilson was like being in a multi-disciplinary class. You received history, philosophy, economics, poly sci, psychology, sports – all wrapped up in humor. I realized now that I was compelled to be in his presence as a student because he was a master teacher. We also shared the passion to elevate and educate black youth.
Throughout the years, I also learned to appreciate how and why Mr. Wilson was building the foundation in the way that he was. He could have taken the easy route and have most of the tickets purchased by corporate sponsors. Wilson was intent on creating an institution that African Americans in this city could be proud to say was built on their own integrity and self-determination. This belief system is the source of much frustration.
Despite those frustrations that come with the turf, the Gateway Classic has an impressive track record. In its 17-year history, the foundation has given over $8 million back to young people in our community. Youth programs, especially sports-related ones, were recipients; $2 million of that went to college scholarships. Full, four-year scholarships have sent 100 young people to historically black colleges and universities. That’s a program you can believe in.
Mr. Wilson has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Here again, the determination of Earl “I’m gonna do it my way” Wilson has manifested itself in defying the doctor’s medical predictions.
Recently, the foundation’s facility was renamed after Earl Wilson Jr. as was the street that the multi-purposed center is located on. Wilson was also inducted in the Walk of Fame that he created for others who had made a contribution to black progress.
This is all well and good, and I’m sure Mr. Wilson is appreciative of it. But what he really, really wants is for us to FILL THE DOME. That would be the Edward Jones Dome where the annual Gateway Classic Football game is held that raises the money for all the programs of the foundation.
In the spirit of Earl Wilson, I ask that this community rally to the cause and fill the dome on Saturday, September 25. This is a day to honor Mr. Wilson. The tickets are as cheap as $15, so start saving now.
Spread the word: This community will fulfill the dream of Earl Wilson on September 25. See you at the Dome.