Top Left: President Allbritten and FSW Athletic Director Kevin Lynum join members of Luther's family at center court during the ceremony celebrating his life and legacy.
Top Right: Dr. Jeff Allbritten presents family members with a commemorative display case as a permanent tribute inside the Suncoast Credit Union Arena.
Bottom Left: Family members photograph the newly dedicated display case honoring Adams and his place in FSW history.
Bottom Right: Adams' son, Rashad Shabazz, proudly displays a commemorative photograph presented to the family during the ceremony.
Dr. Jeff Allbritten welcomed members of the family of Luther James “Luke” Adams II to Florida SouthWestern State College for a special evening honoring Adams’ life, legacy and lasting place in the college’s history.
In 1967, Adams became the first African American student-athlete to attend Edison Junior College, now Florida SouthWestern State College, and play on its basketball team.
“Some moments in history are marked by dates and accomplishments. Others are marked by the courage of one person who steps forward, perhaps not knowing just how many lives will be impacted by the path he takes,” Allbritten said. “Luther Adams was one of those people.”
The evening was especially meaningful as students stopped at the display case to speak with Adams’ son, Rashad Shabazz, connecting the college’s history with the students who continue to shape its future.
“He can speak from the grave with the works that he did and through the people who remember him,” Shabazz said. “If anybody wants to know him, they can always come and look at this display case.”
Allbritten thanked Adams’ family for joining FSW in celebrating his remarkable legacy and for helping ensure that his story will continue to be shared with generations to come.
The display inside the Suncoast Credit Union Arena serves as a permanent reminder that history is not only something to preserve for those who remember it, but something to pass on to those who will carry it forward.