The distrust, prejudice and lack of dialogue that is fueling racial tensions in Cincinnati today also threatened to tear apart Herman Boone and Bill Yoast's championship football team nearly 30 years ago.

        The two retired Virginia high school football coaches, who were the subject of the Disney film Remember the Titans, had to put aside their personal prejudices to unite black and white players on T.C. Williams High School's legendary undefeated team in 1971.

        The coaches' ability to get their players to communicate resulted in a state championship.

        “Dialogue is the process of creating trust,” said Mr. Boone, who is African-American. “Once you learn to dialogue with someone of a different race you develop a trust for that person. Then and only then can you create the glue that binds you together in some form or fashion for the rest of your life.”

        The two spoke at a half-day youth leadership seminar at the Cintas Center Wednesday. It was sponsored by the Anthony Munoz Foundation.

        The seminar on racial diversity brought together more than 400 top students from Greater Cincinnati high schools.

        Mr. Munoz, an NFL Hall of Fame lineman and former Cincinnati Bengal, described the event as a great way to bring people together.

        Both coaches talked to teens about the importance of education, teamwork and being involved in their communities. They also spoke of the importance of getting to know people of different races and cultures.

        “The more time you spend with people, the more things you realize you have in common than differences,” said Mr. Yoast, who is white. “Take a good look at your own prejudice. We all have them, just examine them closely.”

        Mr. Boone added: “I admonish Cincinnati to do what the Titans did. Talk to each other. Find something to talk to each other about, then you can change attitudes.”

        In 1971, racial tensions ran high in Alexandria, Va., as three schools were integrated to form T.C. Williams High School. From that union, the Titan football team was created.
       

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