Today, college football is nothing like it was 50 years ago.
“Through the Banks of the Red Cedar,” a documentary directed and produced by Maya Washington, follows four highly decorated Michigan State University football players, one being Maya’s father, Gene Washington.
The four alumni - wide receiver Gene Washington, defensive lineman Bubba Smith, rover back George Webster and running back Clifton Jones - tell their personal stories of being young African American athletes recruited from the south at the peak of segregation.
“There were stories about traveling and going to places outside the Midwest where there was question whether or not their teammates would have a place to stay, or stopping to eat, things we take for granted,” Maya Washington said. “Stopping to use a restroom, when you’re in a segregated environment, means everyone can’t just get off the bus and go to the restroom.”
The film outlines the role Hall of Fame coach Duffy Daugherty played in establishing the racial demographics in football today.
A preview of the documentary was held on Sept. 10. One MSU alumnus, Rich Hartwick of Okemos, said the preview event was a great opportunity to relive the past, connect and remember the football players.
“I remember the ’65-’66 team specifically,” Hartwick said. “I listened to all the games on the radio if I wasn’t there in person. It was a great time in Spartan sports and we’re there again.”
Washington said the message of the documentary is to explain the importance of knowing the history of your own family.
“It’s a story about where I came from, that’s why it’s called ‘Through the Banks of the Red Cedar,’ she said. “It’s about how these amazing events of the past impacted my life. In general, I hope that people can relate to finding out where we all come from, whether that’s if you’re a Spartan, where Spartans come from or just your own family, really understanding the history that came before you.