More than 30 years ago, schools in America were undergoing major changes as segregated schools began to integrate. Many stories of courageous and influential figures rose out of the conflict, stories like that of Herman Boone and the T.C. Williams High School Titans.

Boone is famous for his work as the football coach of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va. in the early 1970s. He became the head coach after three schools in the area were integrated into one school.

Despite racial tensions, Boone was able to unify the players and created a sense of teamwork, regardless of race.

The effects of his work spread throughout the school and the surrounding Alexandria community.

His story was made into a movie, “Remember the Titans,” in 2000 starring Denzel Washington.

Boone spoke in the Harper Center Ballroom Wednesday and shared his story with students and members of the Omaha community.

His speech focused on ways Creighton University can learn from the Titans and how students can continue to provide equality, acceptance, unity and respect.

“To label is to disable. We must continue to march on and pass the torch of acceptance on,” Boone said.

“We all must put our differences aside and accept an individual regardless of skin.”

Boone said he believes the teamwork, respect and deep friendships that developed among the Titans shows that boundaries can be crossed and respect can be gained among all individuals.

“If we care enough, we must work for interracial collaboration,” Boone said. “Don’t forget to dream.”

His lecture was organized by the Creighton University NAACP, which worked with the Inter Residence Hall Government, Creighton Students Union and the American Program Bureau.

Arts & Sciences junior Analise Harris, president of Creighton’s NAACP, said she wanted Boone to speak on campus because his message of working together beyond boundaries went along with the NAACP’s goals on campus.

“For him to talk to a new generation plays a significant role. It’s a great way to teach integration and acceptance of others,” Harris said.

“For me, he’s a perfect representation of what we wanted.”

Boone’s lecture coincided with the NAACP’s 100th anniversary, which, Harris said, made his visit even more meaningful.

Harris hopes that a speaker like Boone brings individuals and organizations on campus together.

“We’re really trying to get the whole campus involved because, in my opinion, we’re struggling to support each other and going to different types of events,” Harris said.

Arts & Sciences freshman Carissa Smith, a representative with Creighton’s NAACP and the coordinator of the event, said the work Boone has done is inspiring and still holds relevance today.

“Even though we do have our first black president and everything is integrated, it’s still a big issue of people segregating themselves. On purpose or not on purpose, people still do it,” Smith said.

“Putting a value on diversity and getting out of your bubble should be the main thing students take away from his message.”

Correy Hammond, the adviser of Creighton’s NAACP, worked to help bring Boone to campus. Hammond said people like Boone challenge individuals to step outside their comfort zones and see what they can accomplish.

“He definitely took a step outside of his box and was challenged and actually triumphed through that challenge of actually going through the process of integration with a school,” Hammond said.

In addition to Boone’s speech, the NAACP sold T-shirts and received donations upon admission that went toward the organization’s goals.

Before speaking, Boone met with members of Creighton’s NAACP over dinner. Following his lecture, he met with members of the Multicultural Affairs Office.