Synopsis
In 1934, Michigan's football team benched their star player, Willis Ward, due to his race, prompting his friend Jerry Ford to threaten to quit.
Synopsis
Willis Ward watched from the sidelines during the 1934 football game between Georgia Tech and Michigan. The Wolverines benched him due to his race, sparking outrage from his teammate Jerry Ford. Ford, a future U.S. president, threatened to quit the team in protest. Their friendship, forged on the field, would endure through decades, reflecting the changing dynamics of sports and civil rights in America.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- See how racial discrimination affected college football in 1934.
- Meet Willis Ward, a key figure in civil rights history.
- Find out about Jerry Ford's stand against racism in sports.
Did You Know
- In 1934, Willis Ward was benched for being African-American during a game.
- Jerry Ford threatened to quit the Michigan football team over this incident.
- Willis Ward and Jerry Ford's friendship lasted from college to the White House.
- The documentary runs for 57 minutes and was released in 2011.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What year did Georgia Tech play against Michigan?
Georgia Tech played against Michigan in 1934.
Who was forced to be benched during the 1934 game?
Willis Ward, an African-American player, was forced to be benched during the game.
What was the relationship between Willis Ward and Jerry Ford?
Willis Ward and Jerry Ford were best friends, and their friendship lasted from their time at Michigan to Ford's presidency.
What are people saying?
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