Thomas G. Smith has written an excellent work of history titled "Showdown: JFK and the Integration of the Washington Redskins." Smith literates a powerful narrative, in which the reader uncovers the despicable past of the Washington Redskins and the NFL. The reality is that Jim Crow was an American institution, and professional sports were in no way a safe haven for the Black American. As we witness the presidency of our nations first black president, this book bears a solemn message that the United States must understand it's past in order to never repeat it's mistakes. Smith allegories Sammy Baugh's 1947 car accident with the Washington Redskins performance post WWII(or beginning of the modern era of professional football):
"Baugh was unhurt, but the car wreck would come to symbolize the Redskins' football fortunes in the years following World War II. From 1946 through 1961, the Redskins enjoyed only three winning seasons, appeared in no title or championship games, and amassed a record of 69 wins, 116 losses, and 8 times. They devoured eight head coaches and played no black athletes."
George Preston Marshall, the racist owner who set the African American player prohibition, and championed anti-desegregation, created the abomination that was the early early Washington Redskins. He literally ran the club from 1932 until his death in 1969. In addition to an abysmal record, the franchise passed on drafting hall of farmers like Jim Brown, Jim Parker, Roosevelt Grier, Roosevelt Brown and Bobby Mitchell. Mitchell would eventually sign with the Skins' in 1968, Marshall's racial ban would still bar the likes of even Jackie Robinson a 4 sport-letterman at UCLA.
Much of President John F. Kennedy's actions in regard to Civil Rights, were driven by his relationship with Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. King originally intended to vote for Richard Nixon in 1960, because he did not like the fact that Senator Kennedy was a catholic. The incident would only heighten the monumental relationship that would evolve from two of the greatest American minds. President Kennedy referred to Washington D.C. as "a city with Northern charm and Southern efficiency." In 1959 just before the President's victory, Marshall decided to change the Redskins' fight song. The original lyrics were altered from "Fight for Ol' D.C." to "Fight for Old Dixie." Enter the Kennedy Administration.
A sitting Democratic president, especially from the North, has always faced hostile conservative factions. Lincoln, F.D. Roosevelt, and our current President all understand this sentiment quite well, especially in regards to the South's history of social strife. President Kennedy's Secretary of the Interior Stewart Udall would spearhead the crusade to integrate the Redskins'. Sec. Udall's department oversaw the land and facility in which Marshall signed a 30 year lease. Marshall would quickly cave to our Presidents demands in another exemplary instance of the Democratic principle's of equal opportunity for all over conservative GOP ideology.
Mr. Smith has written an excellent piece of sports history. Personally, it took me back twenty years, to my childhood just out side Washington D.C.. My mother, uncle, and grandparents would recite every single story in Mr. Smith's book with fire and zeal. I am a child of the Party Democrat, and President Kennedy is the equivalent of a Desert Father on both sides of my parent's respective families. Moreover, this book highlights many similarities to our current political environment. Conservative GOP and Tea Party Fundamentalists (founded in Georgia) harbor a great deal of hatred to our Northern, Democrat President. A tragic, but familiar tune.
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