As the first African American to play quarterback, George Taliaferro was a trailblazer whose athletic prowess earned him accolades throughout his football career. Instrumental in leading Indiana University to an undefeated season and undisputed Big Ten championship in 1945, Taliaferro was a star when many major universities had no black players on their rosters and others were stacking black players behind white starters. George Taliaferro would later rack up impressive statistics while playing professionally for the New York Yanks, Dallas Texans, Baltimore Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. His athletic prowess did little to prevent him from facing segregation and discrimination on a daily basis, but his popularity as an athlete also gave him a platform. Playing professionally gave Taliaferro more opportunity to use football to fight oppression and to interact with other important trailblazers, like Joe Louis, Nat King Cole, Muhammad Ali, and Congressman John Lewis.
Race and Football in America tells Taliaferro’s story and profiles the experiences of other athletes of color who were recognized for their athleticism yet oppressed for their skin color, as they fought (and continue to fight) for equal rights and opportunities. Together these stories provide an insightful portrait of race in America.
“A portrait of a young man who overcame the obstacles of racism, the military draft, and the death of his father. His vehicle for climbing over obstacles was athletic prowess and inner strength.” —Jim Baumgartner, College Football Hall of Fame
Reviews (23)
a well researched, well written book for football fans and history lovers.
Honestly, I am not a football fan, but I was drawn to this book, in part, because of its promise to discuss the issue of American racism. The book did not disappoint. Ms. Knight has written about football in a very knowledgeable way. She has clearly done her research on significant racial milestones in the sport. Some of what she shared about the obstacles black college students and athletes faced in Indiana stunned me. Most importantly, though, I came to admire her subject George Taliaferro and his wife Viola tremendously. The author's personal friendship with the couple made the book all that much more interesting. I recommend this book to football fans, history buffs, and to anyone who enjoys reading life stories about people we wish we could have known.
More than an biography
While the book does tell the story of an amazing individual the story accomplishes so much more than just telling his story. The style of Dawn Knight's writing helps to establish Mr. Taliaferro's story as a commentary of the progression of racial justice in America over the past few decades. The author uses the story of an extraordinary man to help us connect with one of the most dynamic periods in American social history. If you are a sports fan or someone who believes in social justice this book is a must read. If you wish that less enlightened members of your social circle could be more aware of the continuing issues of race in America and they are sports fans this book would make an excellent gift.
I felt the book was very thoroughly researched.
I found the book to be very readable and although I’m not a huge football fan it was great to see the background on George’s life.I felt the book was very thoroughly researched.
Seriously, read it.
Bravery through adversity. Persistence against oppression. Knight has created a beautiful telling of a man who helped to change the course of history beyond just football and fight against a country filled with hatred and bigotry. This book has done a wonderful job telling Taliaferro’s story, as he navigates segregation, while maintaining passion and zeal for equality and education. Simply put, read it.
An excellent read!
Great book! Well written and inspiring. If you don’t know who George Taliferro is, you should! The author does a great job of connecting George’s story with current issues. Our book club selected this for our Fall read and was not disappointed!
Love the story of an unsung hero both of social justice and football!
I love the story of resilience and perseverance. George broke so many barriers and is a true American hero. If you’re into football stories and history with social justice, this one is for you. Knight is a skilled storyteller.
Highly recommend
Great book, highly recommend
A reminder that we are all human beings
What a great book and one that everyone should take the time to read. Do not worry if you are not a football fan or don't watch the sport, you will still get quite a bit out of this book. It takes a look at the life of African Americans and their struggle for equality from the early 1900s through today. The book follows the life of George Taliaferro from the time he was a young boy through the end of his life. His optimism and positive attitude are quite remarkable as you read about the segregation issues and the racism he faced all through his life. He along with many others mentioned in the book used football to call attention to the inequalities they faced. He spent a lifetime working to help other young African Americans navigate their way through the issues and also spent his life calling attention to the inequalities and trying to help make improvements. I find it remarkable that through all the adversity he faced along the way, he remained to be a very optimistic, kind, humble human being. And I think something that we all should take away from this book is that we are all human beings and we are in this life together and we should be kind to one another. Beautifully written and a book that will make a lasting impression.
Not only a great, entertaining story, but also a thoughtful treatise on race and football
This book is an expanded version of an earlier publication, "Taliaferro: Breaking Barriers from the NFL Draft to the Ivory Tower." I was blown away by the first book and had to buy this one to see what the author had added. I was not disappointed. All of the original story of George Taliaferro's life is there -- the story of the first African American drafted into the NFL. You will fall in love with him and the way he persevered to excel in football and in life in spite of the racial barriers of the mid-20th century. I had the extreme honor of meeting Mr. Taliaferro after reading the first book and the author has done a superb job of relaying his remarkable, huge personality and charm in addition to his drive to attack the racial barriers he faced. In this book, Ms. Knight adds additional perspective to the issues that continue to shape the racial landscape of NFL and college football in a thorough, thoughtful and objective manner. I recommend it highly.
Well written story of the role of race in football in America.
Following his football career, George Taliaferro became an Indiana University professor and this excellent book was written by a former student. In an engaging style, it tells the story of race in America. As a naturalized American, I was unfamiliar with many of the restrictions placed on blacks, and especially in sports. This book lays out the challenges faced by a man like George and his colleagues. An excellent read!
a well researched, well written book for football fans and history lovers.
Honestly, I am not a football fan, but I was drawn to this book, in part, because of its promise to discuss the issue of American racism. The book did not disappoint. Ms. Knight has written about football in a very knowledgeable way. She has clearly done her research on significant racial milestones in the sport. Some of what she shared about the obstacles black college students and athletes faced in Indiana stunned me. Most importantly, though, I came to admire her subject George Taliaferro and his wife Viola tremendously. The author's personal friendship with the couple made the book all that much more interesting. I recommend this book to football fans, history buffs, and to anyone who enjoys reading life stories about people we wish we could have known.
More than an biography
While the book does tell the story of an amazing individual the story accomplishes so much more than just telling his story. The style of Dawn Knight's writing helps to establish Mr. Taliaferro's story as a commentary of the progression of racial justice in America over the past few decades. The author uses the story of an extraordinary man to help us connect with one of the most dynamic periods in American social history. If you are a sports fan or someone who believes in social justice this book is a must read. If you wish that less enlightened members of your social circle could be more aware of the continuing issues of race in America and they are sports fans this book would make an excellent gift.
I felt the book was very thoroughly researched.
I found the book to be very readable and although I’m not a huge football fan it was great to see the background on George’s life.I felt the book was very thoroughly researched.
Seriously, read it.
Bravery through adversity. Persistence against oppression. Knight has created a beautiful telling of a man who helped to change the course of history beyond just football and fight against a country filled with hatred and bigotry. This book has done a wonderful job telling Taliaferro’s story, as he navigates segregation, while maintaining passion and zeal for equality and education. Simply put, read it.
An excellent read!
Great book! Well written and inspiring. If you don’t know who George Taliferro is, you should! The author does a great job of connecting George’s story with current issues. Our book club selected this for our Fall read and was not disappointed!
Love the story of an unsung hero both of social justice and football!
I love the story of resilience and perseverance. George broke so many barriers and is a true American hero. If you’re into football stories and history with social justice, this one is for you. Knight is a skilled storyteller.
Highly recommend
Great book, highly recommend
A reminder that we are all human beings
What a great book and one that everyone should take the time to read. Do not worry if you are not a football fan or don't watch the sport, you will still get quite a bit out of this book. It takes a look at the life of African Americans and their struggle for equality from the early 1900s through today. The book follows the life of George Taliaferro from the time he was a young boy through the end of his life. His optimism and positive attitude are quite remarkable as you read about the segregation issues and the racism he faced all through his life. He along with many others mentioned in the book used football to call attention to the inequalities they faced. He spent a lifetime working to help other young African Americans navigate their way through the issues and also spent his life calling attention to the inequalities and trying to help make improvements. I find it remarkable that through all the adversity he faced along the way, he remained to be a very optimistic, kind, humble human being. And I think something that we all should take away from this book is that we are all human beings and we are in this life together and we should be kind to one another. Beautifully written and a book that will make a lasting impression.
Not only a great, entertaining story, but also a thoughtful treatise on race and football
This book is an expanded version of an earlier publication, "Taliaferro: Breaking Barriers from the NFL Draft to the Ivory Tower." I was blown away by the first book and had to buy this one to see what the author had added. I was not disappointed. All of the original story of George Taliaferro's life is there -- the story of the first African American drafted into the NFL. You will fall in love with him and the way he persevered to excel in football and in life in spite of the racial barriers of the mid-20th century. I had the extreme honor of meeting Mr. Taliaferro after reading the first book and the author has done a superb job of relaying his remarkable, huge personality and charm in addition to his drive to attack the racial barriers he faced. In this book, Ms. Knight adds additional perspective to the issues that continue to shape the racial landscape of NFL and college football in a thorough, thoughtful and objective manner. I recommend it highly.
Well written story of the role of race in football in America.
Following his football career, George Taliaferro became an Indiana University professor and this excellent book was written by a former student. In an engaging style, it tells the story of race in America. As a naturalized American, I was unfamiliar with many of the restrictions placed on blacks, and especially in sports. This book lays out the challenges faced by a man like George and his colleagues. An excellent read!
Social justice through sports
This book should be part of every high school curriculum! George was an incredibly talented athlete who used that talent for social justice. He never stopped fighting for equality and always had live in his heart to welcome others into his life. Dawn captures his convictions and his heart, but also makes us realize we must continue his fight for social justice.
Fascinating story!!!
Dawn has beautifully told the story of a wonderful Man and athlete! He was special to us Hoosiers for the contributions and athletic gifts he brought to Indiana University. George broke through prejudice barriers and pushed forward to make changes. Makes a wonderful holiday gift for any family member.
A reminder of where we've been and where we need to go.
George's story is a tale of perseverance, strength, and bravery; not just on the football field, but in life. Knight details a history that at times is upsetting, surprising, and inspirational. This book is an excellent read for those who love sports, history, or just learning about the world and the people that are a part of it. I highly recommend it.
