Film Tells Story of Dayton Basketball Legend Dwight Anderson Premiere Screening: Wednesday, August 26, Free Admission
Release Date: Monday, August 17, 2015
Contact: Erica Fields, Human Relations Council, 937‑333‑1403
The Dayton Human Relations Council is proud to announce the premiere screening of a short documentary film about one of the regionʹs sports legends.
ʺThe Dwight Anderson Story: From Stardom, to Streets, to Survivalʺ will show on Wednesday, August 26, at the Kroc Center (1000 N. Keowee St.), at 6:00 p.m. Admission is free, and the community is welcome to attend.
The film tells a compelling story of the early success, subsequent struggle and ultimate redemption of a Dayton high school basketball phenomenon whose speed in the late 1970s earned him the nickname ʺThe Blur.ʺ
Anderson and Cleveland sports writer Branson Wright, the filmʹs producer, will be present and will join in a discussion after the screening.
While superficially a story of cheers and tears, Wrightʹs film is also a cautionary tale for young people and ultimately an uplifting message about overcoming drug addiction and its consequences. Dwight Anderson is considered by many to be the greatest basketball player hailing from Dayton. He led Roth High School to the state title as a sophomore in 1975 and was the top high school player in the country in 1978, averaging a triple double in his senior year. Anderson played for the University of Kentucky and the University of Southern California and was selected by the Washington Bullets in the second round of the 1982 NBA draft. He also spent several seasons in the Continental Basketball Association, averaging 21 points per game in 112 CBA games. The father of two, he currently plays in the Old Timers Basketball League and trains youth in basketball.
ʺWe are excited to partner with Branson Wright on this screening,ʺ said Catherine Crosby, Executive Director of the Human Relations Council. ʺWe hope that this documentary will engage young people in reflection and discussion on perseverance, leadership, and personal responsibility.ʺ
As part of its mission, the Human Relations Council works to create safe and inclusive neighborhoods, to connect young adults to their community and to give them a voice and vehicle to make positive changes in their lives.