Uneven Fairways Explored
(10-26-09) Boston, Mass. – On Monday, Sport in Society teamed up with Comcast the GOLF CHANNEL to present Uneven Fairways, a documentary chronicling the little-known but rich history of African Americans in golf through never-before-seen archival footage of the men and women who faced prejudice and endured indignities to play golf at its highest level, to more than 100 middle school students from Boston Public Schools. The event was emceed by local NECN sports caster Chris Collins.
In addition to the film, students learned about the rich history of African-Americans in the sport of golf from guest speakers Pete McDaniel, author of “Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African-Americans in Golf” a book that looked at the trials and triumphs pioneering golfers such as Joe Louis, Charlie Sifford, and Ted Rhodes, and Leonard Jones, one of the nation’s first professional golfers of color. The special event was held at the Cabral Center in the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute at Northeastern University.
“The documentary film ‘Uneven Fairways’ exemplifies the values of racial justice that our staff promotes in the work we do every day,” said Dan Lebowitz, Sport in Society executive director. “Sport is a unique unifying platform that enables us to have those important conversations about race in America. We are thrilled to be a part of this event and the dialogue that will result from it.”
Each student went home with an Uneven Fairways DVD and with a copy of the book Uneven Lies: The Heroic Story of African-Americans in Golf.
“Leonard Jones is an important figure in the history of American sport and we are pleased to be connecting students here in Boston to his story and to the larger story of African-Americans in golf,” said Steve Hackley, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Greater Boston Region. “This documentary and book also present unique opportunities for families to talk about a difficult chapter in American history, and we hope families will read the book and watch the DVD together.”
Comcast and Sport in Society brought Uneven Fairways to Boston as part of their national effort to raise awareness of this chapter in American sports history. The documentary was produced by GOLF CHANNEL and Moxie Pictures.
“Uneven Fairways was one of the most compelling programs in the history of our network and its impact on our viewers was evident through the many calls and letters we received,” said GOLF CHANNEL President Page Thompson. “It’s a privilege to be able to partner with Comcast and take this program to a grassroots level with schools around the country.”
Uneven Fairways features interviews with many other legendary golfers, including John Shippen, Charlie Sifford, Bill Spiller, Ted Rhodes, Joe Louis and the four-time winner of the Masters Tiger Woods. When speaking of his predecessors in the documentary, Woods says, “They were true pioneers. If it wasn't for their focus and dedication to the great love of the game of golf, as I said, my father probably wouldn’t have played the game because he wouldn’t have had access to the game... so, in essence, I owe my entire career to them and their pioneering efforts.”
Sport in Society
Sport in Society, a Northeastern University Center, is one of the world’s leading social justice organizations that use sport to create social change both nationally and internationally. The flagship organization located in the heart of Boston, Mass. was founded in 1984 by Dr. Richard Lapchick. Through research, education, and advocacy the center promotes physical activity, health, violence prevention, and diversity among young people and college and professional athletes. Sport in Society’s innovative programs are all staffed by former college or professional athletes and have been awarded America’s most successful violence prevention program by Lou Harris, the Peter F. Drucker Award as the most innovative non-profit program in the social sector, and most recently was recognized by the Boston Red Sox for its dedication and service to the community. Visit Sport in Society at www.sportinsociety.org.