So, this was supposed to be the second of contiguous posts. Instead, because of events transpiring (ok, transpired) in Virginia, this is the third in the miniseries. Friday, I ranted about Harry Byrd, the segregationist that molded Virginia opinions for nearly four decades. Yesterday, we debated whether Ralph Northam should resign because he thought it proper to either pose in Black face or as a KKK aficionado on his medical school yearbook page. Today, I’ll talk about the other side of the coin.
My son, the only child of mine who graduated from the local high school [the others went to Charlottesville High School or private schools], made me watch a movie over and over again. I admit that I’ve watched it since at least twice.
What movie? Remember the Titans. (I’ve discussed it before. )
It’s the Disney-fied story about the integration of public schools in Alexandria, Virginia (where I live). The city closed (Blacks Only) Parker Gray High School (on the wrong side of the tracks, literally) from the (Mostly White) George Washington High School (now the middle school) and (Whites Only) Hammond High School (now also a middle school), to allow (read: require) all students attend the new T.C. Williams High School (unfortunately named for a segregationist- and an adherent of “massive resistance”, too). The name of its athletic teams are the “Titans”.
The movie talks about the football team. With a Black coach (newly hired), a White coach (from Hammond), and the integration of kids into a unified team. (OK. How the team got unified.) Using the friendship of Julius Campbell, Jr. and Gerry Bertier as the backstory.
Gerry Bertier was one of the fair-haired boys of Alexandria. Who, unfortunately, was paralyzed after an accident in his brand new Camaro (not a truck, as shown in the movie). (He died a decade later when a drunk driver killed him.) Julius Campbell was the Black footballer who became Gerry’s best friend.
Julius was one of the team’s biggest proponents to do what we want our politicians to do- talk with one another. It wasn’t only Black-White tensions that were the problem- those three (then high-) schools merged into TC were athletic “enemies”. Julius recognized that the team needed ‘one vision’ to play together- but to win, they needed ‘one heartbeat’.
Julius planned to play for Ohio State (BOO!) and Woody Hayes (double BOO!) during his college days- but went to Ferrum Junior College (now College) in Virginia first. (He was hoping to transfer.) Except he was injured, which ended his athletic dreams, returning home to care for his dad (Julius, Sr.). He worked for the Alexandria school system until my son went to T.C. (He switched to the animal control department- both in Alexandria and a nearby Maryland jurisdiction.)
Julius died last month, just 53 days after his 65th birthday. Thirty months after his father passed away.
Someone who quietly made a difference.
I had heard of the movie, but was not familiar with the backstory. I look forward to additional stories, if Virginia government imploding doesn’t distract you further.
None for a while. Although the situation in Virginia certainly substantiates the statements I have made how it treated Jews, Blacks, and minorities through the 1980s. Despite the claims of others (mostly White folks who demonstrated exactly those sentiments) saying I was being too harsh. NOT!
Sounds like a great movie! I haven’t seen it. Off to read the other posts you mentioned.
Thanks for the visit and the comment, Jeanine. Hope you like (my writing, my description- not the events) of the rest of the series.
Roy, definitely not harsh, stating the truth is always needed, and the truth is bitter sometimes to some people.. (in response to your reply to Alana above)..
And I don’t know if I watched this movie though I know I have heard of it.. but thank you for sharing the backstory on those who made a difference..
At least, this time I’m sharing a story of how someone made a difference for the good, Vidya!
Thanks for the visit and the comment.