Read more about the article Duffy’s historical commitments to the Great Football Northward Migration

Duffy’s historical commitments to the Great Football Northward Migration

Michigan State College Football Hall of Fame coach Duffy Daugherty's 1960s teams led college football integration. Sportswriters of the time and later historians referred to the ground-breaking teams as the Underground Railroad, a metaphoric nod to bravery of Harriett Tubman's safe passages and safehouses for escaped slaves. The players traveled a path that escaped segregation in the Jim Crow South for opportunity. ---------------- ---- -----

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Read more about the article Bubba Smith’s big brother was instrumental to Michigan State’s Civil Rights football drive

Bubba Smith’s big brother was instrumental to Michigan State’s Civil Rights football drive

PHOTO: Willie Ray Smith Jr. was featured in a 1999 Dallas "Morning News" series highlighting 100 years of Texas high school football. By TOM SHANAHAN A pivotal figure in Michigan State football history, despite never playing for the Spartans, died at age 77 on Jan. 29 in Beaumont, Texas. He was 77. “He was the only football player I ever idolized,” once stated Bubba Smith, the “little” brother that was a Michigan State College Football Hall of Famer…

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Read more about the article SEC historians rewrite Bryant’s segregation track record

SEC historians rewrite Bryant’s segregation track record

CHAPTER 7: REVISIONIST HISTORY FROM GEN. LEE to COACH BRYANT USC’s 1970 team started only five Black players: Cunningham, Jones, tailback Clarence Davis, linebacker Charlie Weaver and defensive end Tody Smith. The Trojans didn’t resemble Grambling, the Historically Black College and University football powerhouse, another element the myth purports. USC’s five Black starters were only three more than Tennessee at Alabama in 1969 -- or 17 fewer than Grambling. Smith was a transfer from Michigan State, so it…

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