Relive a powerful moment from the 2025 Juneteenth Gala in Campbellsville, Kentucky, as renowned basketball coach Milt Barnes delivers a heartfelt speech honoring the enduring legacy of Clem Haskins. Barnes, who served as an assistant coach under Haskins with the Minnesota Golden Gophers men’s basketball team, shares personal stories and reflections on Haskins’ trailblazing career and profound impact on the sport and civil rights.
Clem Haskins, a Campbellsville native, made history in 1963 by helping integrate the Western Kentucky University basketball program, becoming one of the first Black athletes to play for WKU. He later enjoyed a standout NBA career and led the University of Minnesota to national prominence as head coach, including a Final Four appearance in 1997. Barnes, whose own coaching journey includes head coaching roles at Eastern Michigan and the Harlem Globetrotters, pays tribute to Haskins’ mentorship, leadership, and commitment to opening doors for future generations.
This video captures the spirit of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom and progress, by highlighting the achievements of two influential figures in basketball and their contributions to equality and opportunity, both on and off the court. This speech is a moving reminder of the power of legacy, community, and the ongoing pursuit of justice and inclusion.
