The Auburn and Opelika communities are coming together this Friday, April 19, at the Event Center Downtown to support one of their own.
James Owens was the first African- American football player at Auburn University. He came to the University to play in 1970.
Owens, who became a minister after his time at Auburn.is currently recovering from neck surgery. He is scheduled for lower back surgery in the coming months and hopes to be re-added to the heart transplant list after that surgery, said Terry Henley, former Auburn football player and close friend to Owens.
"His heart is just kind of worn out," Henley said. "I told him he's got such a big heart that that's why it's so worn out."
These medical ailments have made it difficult for Owens to navigate his home, said Lisa Ditchkoff, co-owner of the Event Center Downtown and friend of Owens.
"Defining Courage" is an event to support Owens and raise money to renovate the bathrooms in Owens's home.
Ditchkoff said Henley contacted her a few months ago to fill her in on Owens's health condition and let her know a couple surgeries and the recovery from those surgeries would determine his placement on the heart transplant list.
Ditchkoff began the planning for the event after a visit to Owens's home made her realize his bathroom's needed renovations to make them more handicap accessible.
"The need was evident that he was struggling getting out of the shower," Ditchkoff said. "He had fallen a couple times. His hands were going numb and he was having trouble gripping. The need was so evident to make these bathroom's handicap accessible, so I met a contractor over at their home."
Henley said he became close to Owens during their time as teammates.
"It was different when we got the first African-American player on our team, but it was a blessing to have one of the best," Henley said. "He's such a good person. He's the hardest working person, and he was so strong and fast. It was a privilege to be in that freshman class with him when he came to Auburn."
Henley and Owens have remained friends from their years playing football at Auburn together.
"James just happens to be one of those special people that you want to be around, that you want to stay in touch with and that you care about," Henley said. "He truly cares about you. He's a wonderful person and the world would be a better place with more people like him."
Ditchkoff, also said the world would be a better place with more people like Owens. Ditchkoff said she and Owens have been friends for several years.
"James's entire life has been, in my opinion, about courage with the challenges that he's faced," Ditchkoff said. "He's an icon for Auburn University, an icon for the community, and he exemplifies the kind of person we should all be and learn from."
Henley said this event offers a good opportunity for the public to come out and support one of their own.
"It'll be a most enjoyable event for the public to rub shoulders with some famous athletes," Henley said. "There will be a lot of laughter, and it promises to be an outstanding event."
The event will feature live entertainment and heavy hors d'oeuvres. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the first part of the evening will be a time to socialize, followed by a conversation with Owens and other former football players, including Henley will take place, Ditchkoff said.
"They'll be on the stage and tell the stories of what it was like back then," Ditchkoff said. "I think it's fascinating to hearing the guys tell the stories."
Tickets for the event are $30 for individuals and $500 for sponsorships, which includes six tickets and recognition. Tickets can be purchased at the door and at their website, eventcenterdowntown.com.
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