LaCanas Casselle, Shaunn Casselle, and Howard Gentry Share Life with Eldridge "The Lord's Prayer" Dickey on Living Your Best Life with Genma Holmes

Audio of show can be found here.

"In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage — to know who we are and where we came from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness."

"In every conceivable manner, family is the link to our past, bridge to our future."

On Saturday June 21, 2014, we will continue our tribute to Eldridge "The Lord's Prayer" Dickey. His daughter, Shaunn Casselle, along with her mother, LaCanas Casselle who was Dickey's college sweetheart and wife, will share about Eldridge Dickey, the family man and his life as a college athlete at Tennessee State University (TSU) and life in the NFL. Many of their personal stories have not been shared with the media.

The Casselle Family photos of life with Eldridge Dickey; husband, dad, brother-in-law, uncle, son-in-law

Hear LaCanas talk about meeting Eldridge Dickey for the first time and how two kindred spirits fell in love and became one in marriage. LaCanas, a TSU cheerleader and majorette, will chronicle Dickey's transition from outstanding HBCU college quarterback to his historic draft pick by the Oakland Raiders. LaCanas who was treated like a daughter by TSU's Big John Merritt will also share about collegiate life during the turbulent late 60's at TSU.

LaCanas Casselle's TSU Campus Sweetheart photo '64

Shaunn Casselle, Dickey's daughter, will share how the events surrounding the induction of her father into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame has impacted her life and helped her to cherish even more the memories of her daddy. Shaunn also talks about the legacy of HBCUs. Dickey's daughter attended Howard University but her blood runs TSU Blue. Her mother's sister, Ramano Casselle, was captain of the cheering squad who married James Buford, a 1987 TSU Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Her mother's brother, William Casselle, was on TSU's swim team. The Casselle-Dickey union was a testament to what many in the Black community knew during the 60's era, HBCUs not only excelled in athletics but also in educating families.

Shaunn Casselle with her Aunt, Ramona (Cheerleader); her dad, Eldridge Dickey; her uncle,William Casselle (TSU Swim team); and her cousin, Dwann, wearing Dickey's jersey number.

James Buford

Shaunn Casselle with the TN Sports Hall of Fame 2014 Inductees

Shaunn wearing Eldridge Dickey's Black College Hall of Fame Ring

 Howard Gentry, Jr., Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk, will share what it was like being part of that history while educating us on the nomination process for Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame and how TSU shined brightly this year with two Inductees; Dorsey Sims, Sr. and Eldridge Dickey, and TSU's 1957-59 Basketball team receiving the Significant Historical Achievement Honor. The 1957-59 produced NBA legends like New York Knicks Dr. Dick Barnett. Howard Gentry will share how the eventful week leading up to the 2014 ceremony brought back many memories of his father and how his TSU family bonds grew deeper and stronger.

Howard Gentry seeing a photo of his father and mother with Shaunn Casselle for the first time.

LaCanas Casselle reminiscing with NFL Legend Claude Humphrey

Carrie Gentry having a moment with her former TSU majorette and mentee.

These stories about Eldridge Dickey from his family and friends will empower, inspire, and motivate you to live your BEST life. Living Your Best Life,  can be heard on 760 AM in the Middle-Tennessee Region, military bases, and streamed live on U-Stream.TV from 9-10AM CST. This show will also air on WTST, a member of the HBCU radio network (XM 142).

More About Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, a non-profit 501c3, was founded by a group known as the Middle Tennessee Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association. Its early growth was due largely to three of the founders: С. Е. Jackson Jr., Charlie Sons, and the Rev. A. Richard Smith. The late Bernie Moore, retired commissioner of the SEC, and the late Bishop Frank Julian guided the fledgling Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in its struggle for recognition. In 1966, the prep sportswriters and sportscasters spent their last $300 to finance the first banquet. The State Legislature, under the leadership of Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh and Lieutenant Governor John Wilder along with Representative Bill Purcell and Senator Robert Rochelle, passed legislation in 1994 to officially create the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. The legislation passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate of the 98th General Assembly. Very seldom in the history in the state of Tennessee has a piece of legislation ever passed unanimously or as quickly as the “Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Act of 1994.” The creation of the Act began a new era in the history of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. A new Board was founded composed of 25 Tennessee citizens, eight each appointed by the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House; the 25th member of the Board is the State Treasurer or his designee. No more than eight of the appointed members shall reside in a grand division of the state. The organizers of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame are grateful to their sponsors for making the commemoration possible; to the citizens of Tennessee, whose enthusiasm has driven the event forward; to the many who have brought wonderful individuals to the attention of the selection committee; and, of course, to the inductees, who have contributed immeasurably to their teams and their communities.

Previous show on Eldridge Dickey can be found here.
Photo credits: TN Sports Hall of Fame, The Casselle Family
Quote: Alex Haley

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2014 Inductees, Carrie Gentry, daddy's girl, Eldridge "The Lord's Prayer" Dickey, family, family legacy, HBCU, History LaCanas Casselle, Howard Gentry, Shaunn Casselle, Tennessee sports Hall of Fame, tsu