SEC Pioneer Dillard Runs for Office in Michigan

Godfrey Dillard, who joined Perry Wallace as the first African Americans to play SEC basketball when both suited up for the Vanderbilt freshman team in 1966-67, has announced his candidacy for Secretary of State in the state of Michigan. Dillard grew up in Detroit and was recruited by Vanderbilt coach Roy Skinner to join Wallace in desegregating the SEC. After suffering a knee injury during preseason practices  before his sophomore season, Dillard took an active role in launching Vanderbilt’s first-ever Afro American Student Association. Strong Inside explores the controversy that ensued — Dillard never played for the Vanderbilt varsity; whether that was due to his injury or other factors remains a topic of dispute. Dillard earned his law degree from the University of Michigan and has been a successful attorney in Detroit for many years. Check out Dillard’s campaign Facebook page here.