Syracuse University will recognize and honor the life and legacy of Emanuel “Manny” Breland at halftime of the men’s basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 19th. Breland was the first Black student from the Syracuse area to receive an athletic scholarship to attend SU. Members of Breland’s family will be attending, as well as Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, Syracuse City School District Superintendent Jaime Alicea, SU Athletic Director John Wildhack, and other community and University leaders. There will be a presentation of a city proclamation, honorary basketball, and official recognition from the University.
Ceremonies in recognition of the life and legacy of Manny Breland; Saturday, Feb. 19 at halftime of men’s basketball game vs. B.C. Game begins at noon.
Syracuse, N.Y. – Syracuse University will be honoring Manny Breland on Feb. 19. Breland was the first Syracuse-area Black student to receive an athletic scholarship to attend the University. Breland became a starring guard and helped lead the SU basketball team to its first NCAA berth and the NCAA Eastern Finals in 1957.
In addition to his athletic skills, Breland has been described as “a pioneer in his community.” After he finished college at SU, he stayed in Syracuse to become an educator, high school principal and head basketball coach. He passed away in December 2021.
The ceremony will take place on the court during halftime at the Syracuse men’s basketball game, which starts at noon.
Planned ceremony attendees include Breland’s family, City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh and Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, as well as representatives from The Dunbar Association, Syracuse City School District, and University officials. Members of the Syracuse Police Athletic and Activities League boys’ basketball team and their program coaches will also be attending the game.
