University of Memphis Athletics
Trailblazers Bertha Looney, Herb Hilliard to Receive Memphis Legacy Awards
Jan 15, 2026 | General, Men's Basketball
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Athletics will honor two trailblazers whose courage, leadership and lifelong service have left an enduring mark on both the institution and the city: Bertha Rodgers Looney and Herb Hilliard. Each will receive a University of Memphis Legacy Award at Sunday's men's basketball game against UTSA (Jan. 18) in recognition of their historic impact and continued commitment to advancing opportunity and excellence.
The Legacy Award recognizes individuals whose actions reflect the enduring ideals championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—education as a pathway to opportunity, leadership rooted in service, and progress driven by courage in the face of resistance.
Bertha Looney: Courage at the Front Lines of Integration
Bertha Rodgers Looney's impact on the University of Memphis began before she ever stepped into a classroom.
In September 1959, she was one of eight African-American students who integrated Memphis State University, becoming forever known as the "Memphis State Eight." Their decision to walk onto campus came at a time of intense resistance and racial hostility, yet their presence marked a defining moment in the institution's history.
At just 18 years old, Looney joined the group under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
The eight students endured isolation, restrictions and conditions no other students faced. They were instructed to attend classes only in the morning hours, leave campus by noon and avoid interaction with the broader student body. They were barred from common student spaces such as the cafeteria and student center and were often escorted to and from classes. Despite those obstacles, Looney and her peers persisted, driven by the belief that education was worth the cost.
Their courage opened doors that had long been closed, helping transform the university into a more inclusive institution. Today, the University of Memphis reflects that change, with African-American students comprising more than one-third of the student population and serving across all levels of academic and campus leadership - a reality made possible by the perseverance of the Memphis State Eight.
Looney's legacy is not simply one of history, but of lasting impact, resilience and progress. Her willingness to step forward during a moment of deep uncertainty reshaped opportunities for generations of students who followed.
Herb Hilliard: Trailblazer, Tiger and Community Leader
Herb Hilliard carved out a permanent place in Memphis basketball history when he became the first African-American student-athlete to compete for the Tigers on the hardwood.
A Millington, Tennessee native, Hilliard played for Memphis State from 1967-69 during a pivotal era for both the program and the campus and helped lay the foundation for generations of student-athletes who would follow.
During his two seasons, the 6-foot-4 guard/forward appeared in 37 games and was a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. As a sophomore in 1967-68, he ranked second on the team in rebounds (130) and second in field goal percentage (51.2 percent). He finished his career shooting 50.8 percent from the field while averaging 2.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Hilliard's legacy, however, extends far beyond basketball.
A graduate of Memphis State with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in personnel administration and industrial relations, Hilliard built an accomplished professional career while remaining deeply committed to civic service.
His leadership roles have included service with the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, Tennessee Bankers Association Government Relations Council, Financial Services Roundtable Government Relations Committee and the RMA Enterprise Risk Council.
He has also served as chairman of the National Civil Rights Museum, as a board member of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and as a commissioner for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.
In 2009, he was recognized with the M Club's Billy J. Murphy Award, honoring former Memphis student-athletes who have made significant professional and community contributions.
A Shared Legacy of Impact
Together, Looney and Hilliard represent different chapters of the University of Memphis story, yet their legacies are deeply connected by courage, perseverance and service. One broke barriers in athletics during a time of change; the other helped dismantle segregation at the institution's gates. Both went on to embody the values of leadership and community engagement that continue to define the university.
The University of Memphis Legacy Award celebrates individuals whose contributions have shaped the institution's past and continue to influence its future. In honoring Bertha Looney and Herb Hilliard, the university recognizes not only their historic achievements but also the enduring example they set for students, alumni and the Memphis community.
Memphis Athletics and National Civil Rights Museum Partnership
Memphis Athletics' recognition of Looney and Hilliard aligns with its ongoing partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum - a collaboration rooted in honoring the past while educating and inspiring future generations.
As part of that partnership, Memphis Athletics is offering a special ticket package that includes:
A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will directly support the National Civil Rights Museum and its mission.
The partnership culminates during the Museum's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 19. The Museum will offer FREE admission all day, thanks to FedEx, along with family-friendly activities, storytelling activations, service opportunities, and virtual programming commemorating the 40th anniversary of the federal MLK Holiday.
University of Memphis students, alumni, fans, and the broader community are invited to continue reflecting on Dr. King's legacy by participating in this day of remembrance, service, and civic engagement. More information about the Museum's MLK Day celebration is available at kingday.org.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tiger Men's Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Legacy Award recognizes individuals whose actions reflect the enduring ideals championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—education as a pathway to opportunity, leadership rooted in service, and progress driven by courage in the face of resistance.
Bertha Looney: Courage at the Front Lines of Integration
Bertha Rodgers Looney's impact on the University of Memphis began before she ever stepped into a classroom.
In September 1959, she was one of eight African-American students who integrated Memphis State University, becoming forever known as the "Memphis State Eight." Their decision to walk onto campus came at a time of intense resistance and racial hostility, yet their presence marked a defining moment in the institution's history.
At just 18 years old, Looney joined the group under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.
The eight students endured isolation, restrictions and conditions no other students faced. They were instructed to attend classes only in the morning hours, leave campus by noon and avoid interaction with the broader student body. They were barred from common student spaces such as the cafeteria and student center and were often escorted to and from classes. Despite those obstacles, Looney and her peers persisted, driven by the belief that education was worth the cost.
Their courage opened doors that had long been closed, helping transform the university into a more inclusive institution. Today, the University of Memphis reflects that change, with African-American students comprising more than one-third of the student population and serving across all levels of academic and campus leadership - a reality made possible by the perseverance of the Memphis State Eight.
Looney's legacy is not simply one of history, but of lasting impact, resilience and progress. Her willingness to step forward during a moment of deep uncertainty reshaped opportunities for generations of students who followed.
Herb Hilliard: Trailblazer, Tiger and Community Leader
Herb Hilliard carved out a permanent place in Memphis basketball history when he became the first African-American student-athlete to compete for the Tigers on the hardwood.
A Millington, Tennessee native, Hilliard played for Memphis State from 1967-69 during a pivotal era for both the program and the campus and helped lay the foundation for generations of student-athletes who would follow.
During his two seasons, the 6-foot-4 guard/forward appeared in 37 games and was a reliable presence on both ends of the floor. As a sophomore in 1967-68, he ranked second on the team in rebounds (130) and second in field goal percentage (51.2 percent). He finished his career shooting 50.8 percent from the field while averaging 2.9 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.
Hilliard's legacy, however, extends far beyond basketball.
A graduate of Memphis State with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in personnel administration and industrial relations, Hilliard built an accomplished professional career while remaining deeply committed to civic service.
His leadership roles have included service with the American Bankers Association Government Relations Council, Tennessee Bankers Association Government Relations Council, Financial Services Roundtable Government Relations Committee and the RMA Enterprise Risk Council.
He has also served as chairman of the National Civil Rights Museum, as a board member of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and as a commissioner for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.
In 2009, he was recognized with the M Club's Billy J. Murphy Award, honoring former Memphis student-athletes who have made significant professional and community contributions.
A Shared Legacy of Impact
Together, Looney and Hilliard represent different chapters of the University of Memphis story, yet their legacies are deeply connected by courage, perseverance and service. One broke barriers in athletics during a time of change; the other helped dismantle segregation at the institution's gates. Both went on to embody the values of leadership and community engagement that continue to define the university.
The University of Memphis Legacy Award celebrates individuals whose contributions have shaped the institution's past and continue to influence its future. In honoring Bertha Looney and Herb Hilliard, the university recognizes not only their historic achievements but also the enduring example they set for students, alumni and the Memphis community.
Memphis Athletics and National Civil Rights Museum Partnership
Memphis Athletics' recognition of Looney and Hilliard aligns with its ongoing partnership with the National Civil Rights Museum - a collaboration rooted in honoring the past while educating and inspiring future generations.
As part of that partnership, Memphis Athletics is offering a special ticket package that includes:
- Admission to the Memphis men's basketball game vs. UTSA on Jan. 18
- Admission to the National Civil Rights Museum, valid through June 30, 2026
A portion of the proceeds from each ticket will directly support the National Civil Rights Museum and its mission.
The partnership culminates during the Museum's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 19. The Museum will offer FREE admission all day, thanks to FedEx, along with family-friendly activities, storytelling activations, service opportunities, and virtual programming commemorating the 40th anniversary of the federal MLK Holiday.
University of Memphis students, alumni, fans, and the broader community are invited to continue reflecting on Dr. King's legacy by participating in this day of remembrance, service, and civic engagement. More information about the Museum's MLK Day celebration is available at kingday.org.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tiger Men's Basketball, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Memphis Athletics: 2025 Hoops For St Jude Press Conference-September 2, 2025
Tuesday, September 02
NIL Summit 2025
Friday, March 07
Soccer Stadium Fly Through
Monday, January 27
Memphis Athletics: One on One with Dr. Ed Scott- July 1, 2024
Monday, July 01