New Publication Tells Unique Stories of Civil Rights and Football

By Ismeraly Torres

South Florida News Service

Nearly 50 years ago, two black college football coaches, Eddie Robinson from the Florida A&M University, and Jake Gaither from Grambling State University, worked to break the barriers of segregation and contribute to the civil rights movement through sports.

Samuel G. Freedman, journalism professor at Columbia University, columnist for the New York Times and author, wrote about these events in great detail — something never done before — in his newest publication, “Breaking the Line.”“

The most segregated 60 minutes in America was the 60 minutes of college football,” Freedman said at a recent book signing at Florida International University’s Biscayne Bay campus.

FIU professors, students and community activists came out to support Freedman’s new publication and hear his lecture on the history of the coaches and players who fought for equal standards.

Among those who attended the lecture was professor Neil Reisner, Freedman’s longtime friend and the main planner of the event.

“It’s always good to have him here,” said Reisner in reference to Freedman and his lecture. “This is a remarkable book. It’s an important book.”

Many organizations teamed up to make this event possible.

Among the event sponsors were FIU’s Student Organization Council, Society of Professional Journalists, Student Government Association, School of Journalism and Mass Communications and Office of the Vice Provost.

Reporter Michael Sharp contributed to this story.