After playing basketball for Harvard University for two seasons, the Indianapolis native suffered career-halting knee injuries, which required four surgeries. Had that not happened, Darryl Finkton simply wouldn’t have had the time to accomplish all that he has.
Even though ‘physical vigor’ remains an element of inclusion, had his on-court career continued no one could ever say if Darryl would have been one of 32 Americans — and the only one from Indiana — chosen for a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship this fall. Like former Indianapolis Mayor Richard Lugar, now a U.S. Senator, did 55 years ago, Darryl will be off to the University of Oxford next year, a great excuse to put off med school.
Darryl’s has been a dramatic journey as his mother Stephanie, motivated by providing a high-quality education for her children, searched far and wide for the right location. “I went to tons of elementaries,” he recently told Dan McFeely of the Indianapolis Star. “I grew up around 42nd and Keystone, but it seemed like every day we were moving.”
All of her children would head to college while Darryl, who starred academically and athletically at North Central High School (with NBA star Eric Gordon), would ship off to Harvard, where upon arrival, paired with Sangu Delle and discovered the huge needs of Ghana, his roommate’s homeland. Darryl and Sangu have since created a self-sustaining water supply program, raised $50,000, secured the assistance of students and professors by the dozen and visited Africa several times to bring relief. (Note: SBC has earlier written about Ghana. Click here.).
In fact, Darryl’s most recent visit began Tuesday evening with a flight to Ghana. He will be working on his project to supply clean water to the locals throughout the holiday season. Schools Building Communities has been in touch with Darryl and looks forward to bringing much more of his story when he returns to the States.
One thing is for certain, Darryl has a lot of wisdom to offer the students of the Circle City.
Noted philosopher
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