Fred Snowden
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Known to many as "Coach", and "The Fox", Fred was born in Brewton Alabama but, as a child, moved to Detroit Michigan. He graduated from Northwestern High School and attended Wayne State University as a student athlete where he received his Bachelor degree in Physical Education, English, and Journalism Speech. He went on to receive his Masters degree in Education from Wayne State University.
Fred's coaching career began at his High School alma mater immediately after college. At Northwestern High he served as a teacher in Health and Physical Education, English, Journalism as well as Head Basketball and Baseball Coach.
In 1968, after building a record of 207 wins and 6 loses, including 7 consecutive Detroit Public League Championships in basketball, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor convinced Fred to join its staff as the Assistant Coach. Thus making him the first African-American to serve in that capacity at the major college level.
Four years later in 1972, armed with the reputation of being one of the best bench coaches, recruiters, motivators, and builders, Fred Snowden became the Head Basketball Coach at the University of Arizona at Tucson, and thus became the first Black Head Coach of a major university's basketball program in America's history. Recognizing that pioneering, at its finest, is extremely difficult, Fred endeavored over the next ten years to demonstrate dignity, excellence and commitment. A few of his accomplishments during that period include NCAA Coach of the Year, Tucson "Man of the Year", Coach of the Decade by the Arizona Daily Star, Western Athlete Conference Coach of the Year, and Inductee in the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.
After concluding a brilliant coaching career, Fred turned his talents, interests and energy to the private sector by forming his own consulting company in 1982. Fred Snowden, Inc., worked with major companies to expand minority opportunities both in franchise ownership as well as the corporate level. His prototype program, "National Metropolitan Franchise Expansion Program" was so successful that Baskin Robins Ice Cream Company enticed him to join their company as Vice President for Urban Affairs and Business Development.
Fred's commitment and involvement in the community was outstanding. He served as a member of the Los Angeles Urban League Board, the Mayor's Challenge for Youth, University of California Development Board, National Executive Leadership Council and the Advisory Board, Black Business Association. He received the Economic Development Award from the MBA Association, Business and Community Leaders of the Year from NUAC, Tribute to African-American Fathers Award, and Community Service Award from the Association of Black Law Enforcement Executives.
In March of 1990, Mr. Snowden joined Food 4 Less Supermarkets Inc., he served as Vice President of Urban Affairs and Business Development. He developed the Food 4 Less Foundation where he also served as Executive Director and demonstrated energetic support for local sports programs.
One of his many distinguished awards is the Alex Haley Heritage Award from the Los Angeles Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. Fred gave to the community and to the people who assisted him in all aspects of his life. He is a fine example and leader for today's world and tomorrow's future.
Fred was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Maya, his son Charles, his daughter-in-law Veronica, his two very dear grandsons Marques and Nicholas, his daughter Stacey, his father Buren, two brothers, Richard Harris and his wife, Suzanne and Billy Johnson and his wife Ruth.
Fred Snowden was the head coach of the men's basketball team at the University of Arizona from 1972 to 1982. He compiled a record of 167-108 and led Arizona to the NCAA tournament twice, in 1976 and 1977, getting as far as the Elite Eight in 1976 before losing to UCLA. (Source: Arizona Daily Wildcat, 10/21/03). Before that he was assistant head coach at University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Snowden was the first black coach of a major college basketball team. (Source: various, including New York Times obituary, 1/19/94 and Tucson Citizen, 10/31/03). After coaching he went on to the business world by climbing the corporate latter in the Baskin Robbins Co. After that, moved on to become VP of Urban Affairs at Food 4 Less Co. well actively being involved in the community of Los Angeles and helping the less fortunate.
Snowden died in Washington D.C. on Monday, January 17, 1994. He was 57. Mr. Snowden, died at George Washington Hospital after being stricken, apparently with a heart attack at a convenience store. (New York Times obituary, 1/19/94)
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