The Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF) announced today, the creation of The Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award presented by Dr Pepper to be given annually to a senior football player from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) who displays talent both on the field and a passion for their community. The award, which comes with a scholarship, trophy and recognition at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl, is named after Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick of Myers Park High School.
During the early years of school integration in Charlotte, Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick, a Black running back, suited up for a predominantly white Mustangs team in 1965 after previously attending Second Ward High School. Facing hostility on and off the field, Jimmie persevered and crossed the goal line 19 times earning him All-American honors and the award for the best high school football player in Charlotte. Despite these recognitions he was not named to the Carolina’s annual all-star game, The Shrine Bowl, leading to a civil rights lawsuit and ultimately the desegregation of the game.
“I am honored to be a part of this award and excited about the recognition it will offer young athletes,” said Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick. “I was always encouraged to take risks and dream, even though the recognition and the path to success wasn’t there for Black athletes in my day. When I did receive honors, I was inspired and saw doors opening – for myself and others. I hope the students receiving this award will feel similarly inspired for the recognition of their personal character and for the impact that they are making in their communities.”
“When we first thought of this award we knew Jimmie would be an incredible person to name it after,” said Danny Morrison, executive director of CSF. “He not only is one of the greatest players in Charlotte football history, but he endured so much with positivity and steadfast determination. He is a trailblazer in every sense of the word and we hope his story continues to inspire generations of Charlotteans.”
Each fall, the 19 public high schools of CMS will select their semi-finalists for The Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award to represent their school on the field at the Duke’s Mayo Bowl. From those individuals, one winner will be announced and will receive a scholarship, in addition to the trophy that will be displayed at their school for the following year. The trophy, which is a bronze bust in the likeness of Kirkpatrick, will be inscribed each year with the winner and their high school.
“Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools is honored to partner with the Charlotte Sports Foundation to recognize some of our most talented student-athletes,” said Erica Turner, Director of Athletics for CMS. “Rewarding our students-athletes on and off the field will help boost their confidence and encourage them to strive for excellence.”
A panel of representatives from the CSF, CMS and the community will select the winner each year from the nominees provided from the schools. Equal weight will be placed on athletic achievement and community impact with the overall goal of recognizing individuals who match the character and passion as the award’s namesake.
“Providing tuition for prospective college students has always been important to Dr Pepper, and we are excited to partner with the Charlotte Sports Foundation to continue providing opportunities through the Jimmie Lee Kirkpatrick Award,” said Rob Coulter, Division Sales Manager, Dr Pepper.
You can visit CharlotteSports.org for more information.