PANEL DISCUSSION SET FOR FEB. 8
The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Thursday announced plans to celebrate Black History Month with a new program in February that will see the organization join many others throughout the United States in the annual celebration of the achievements and contributions African-Americans have made in American History.
The Packers Hall of Fame program, the first for the Hall, will focus on the contributions of African-American players and coaches to the success of the organization through the years.
"We're pleased to celebrate Black History Month with this new program at the Packers Hall of Fame," said Packers President/COO John Jones. "As many others around the country are celebrating the contributions of African-Americans to our nation, we'll be doing the same here at the Hall of Fame to honor black players and coaches and their place in Packers history. It promises to be wonderful experience for visitors to the Hall."
Visitors to the Hall of Fame will be given a booklet that will serve as their guide while touring the facility. It will provide a history of African-American players in professional football as a whole, as well as provide information on many notable African-American Packers players and coaches, including the late Bob Mann (1950-54), the first African-American player ever to see action in a Packers' regular-season game.
Green and gold ribbons will be placed throughout the Hall's exhibits to recognize the many African-American players, especially those who have been enshrined as members of the Packers Hall of Fame.
In addition to the booklet and highlighted exhibits, a panel discussion will be held Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hall of Fame. The discussion will feature long snapper Rob Davis, defensive ends coach Carl Hairston, former linebacker and current director of player development George Koonce and pro personnel assistant Tim Terry. Topics will include the contributions of African-Americans to the game of football as a whole, as well as to the success of the Packers.
Admission to the Packers Hall of Fame is needed to attend the discussion. Because of limited seating, people interested in attending are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, either in person or by calling 920/569-7512 (press option 3).
*The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame is open on non-game days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may vary on game days and holidays. Cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors (62 and older), $5 for children 6-11, and children 5 and under are free. Group pricing is available for schools and other groups; for more information, contact the Hall of Fame at 920/569-7512.
For fans desiring to visit the Hall and take a Stadium Tour, combination pricing for an adult is $19, a savings of $2. Combination pricing only is available where Stadium Tours are sold.*
