Beanie Howell: Pioneer in Basketball & Education

Beanie Howell, a trailblazing basketball pioneer and American University alumnus, passed away in 2026. Born in 1939, he played for the Eagles in the late 1950s, helping desegregate college hoops in Washington, D.C. Post-playing days, Howell became a groundbreaking African American referee in major college basketball, officiating in the Atlantic Coast Conference and even the NCAA mens championship game in 1973. He went on to call multiple Final Fours and title games. Howells true calling was education; he spent 31 years in D.C. Public Schools, teaching, coaching, and serving as a principal. The university honors his legacy of leadership and courage, remembering how one persons grit can change the game forever. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/4fe8e1e5cc5d63f4