Jerry Harkness Biography  -  Sponsored by: Mays Chemical Company Favorites Color Brown Food Rice Quote Faith Is The Substance Of Things Hoped For, The Evidence Of Things Unseen. Time of Year Spring & Summer Vacation Spot San Francisco

Born in May 1940 in Harlem, Jerry Harkness is an athlete of natural talent. As a student he played every sport imaginable. However, when Harkness joined the basketball team at DeWitt Clinton High, his ability on the court was immediately apparent.

While attending Loyola University, his performance on the basketball team made history. Harkness led Loyola in scoring for three consecutive years. Nearly forty years after playing, his 1,749 points remain the third-highest total in school history. As team captain in 1963, he led Loyola to the national championship and was named the NCAA's Most Valuable Player.

Upon his graduation, Harkness decided to join the New York Knicks and in 1967 was traded to the Indiana Pacers. In 1969, Harkness became a sportscaster in Indianapolis. He also devoted much of his time to civil rights issues by serving with the Indiana Human Rights Commission. He also was active with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference from 1969 to 1973. Currently, Harkness serves as executive director of the Indianapolis Chapter of 100 Black Men.

Harkness was interviewed by The HistoryMakers on July 12, 2000.