Film discussses powerful role of sport
In the dying moments of a close game, the power of sport to connect people from all walks of life is tangible. Although the seconds will slip off the clock and the stadium will empty, the opportunity for athletes to inspire change off the field is only beginning.
Among the athletes to inspire change in the face of adversity are the first black American quarterbacks to have played in the Canadian Football League (CFL). Despite talented college careers, the likes of Bernie Custis, Chuck Ealey, and Warren Moon were overlooked by the National Football League (NFL) amid racial and social barriers of the era.
Their stories, among others are featured in the telling new documentary, Gridiron Underground, which offers a first hand look at their decision to move north to the CFL—a league that seemed to care more about the colour of your jersey than the colour of your skin.
The film was recently screened alongside a panel discussion at the University of Guelph for a crowd of students, athletes and community members interested in joining the discussion on diversity in current culture.
The panel, led by professor of political science Patrick Case, featured four participants–including alumna and superintendent with Peel Regional Police, Ingrid Berkeley-Brown; former CFL running back and current member of the Hamilton Tigercats organization, John Williams Jr.; and two Guelph students, currently studying sociology and anthropology.
One of only two father-son duos to have won the Grey Cup, Williams credited his athletic career for teaching him many life lessons, including the ability of sport to bring people together.
“I believe sport has the power to change the world. A locker room is one of the most diverse places. You have people from different backgrounds, different cultures and religions, all working together. We can promote diversity by uniting these groups”.
Of course, the lessons of a locker room are only part of the experience. Speaking to the many student athletes, Williams strongly advocated for a holistic experience, encouraging students to seek mentorship beyond their sport.
“There needs to be time for you to develop as people. Life is busy, but do your best to carve out time to connect with people and to look for mentors outside your bubble.”
Embracing the idea that power and privilege exist alongside a responsibility and opportunity to create change, athletes are encouraged to also explore their mental, emotional, and spiritual selves, and to share the perseverance and patience learned in sport with people and experiences both in and out of athletics.
The move to pair sport with community initiative does not come as a stretch, as the life lessons cultivated through persistent teamwork sit at the heart of any community striving to move toward something bigger.
In her panel discussion, Berkeley-Brown cited trust as a key factor enabling marginalized individuals to find their voice: “Getting input from the people that need assistance is key to building trust within a community. Once you admit that there is an issue you can begin working toward a solution.”
Moving forward, the power of sport and the push for diversity share similar sentiments, both aiming to inspire the next generation alongside respect for the past.