Grambling State University held its Inaugural Eddie G. Robinson Leadership Lecture Series on November 15, 2016 at the T.H. Harris Auditorium on the Grambling campus. Many GSU students, faculty and friends attended. This lecture series promotes and extends the legacy of Coach Robinson who coached at Grambling State for 55 years and whose accomplishments symbolize the true essence of leadership. The theme for this event was “The Legacy Continues: Achieving Success Beyond the Football Field.” James “Shack” Harris was the keynote speaker and was awarded the first ever “Eddie Award”. Harris played quarterback at Grambling State under Coach Robinson from 1965 to 1968 and was the first African American to be drafted in the NFL in 1969 by the Buffalo Bills. 

A small luncheon was held at the Eddie G. Robinson Museum, also on the Grambling campus, following the program. Awards were presented to three Grambling students who wrote essays about Coach Robinson.

The Heritage Group sponsored the entire event and hopes to continue this lecture series annually for many years to come.