Photos by Adrian Kraus for ESPN.com
CLICK to watch video: It’s awesome.
Here is an example of Buffalo at it’s finest. I LOVE this clip, for I have had the pleasure of calling one of the great men in this clip my Pops or Papa Evans is what I affectionately refer to him as. Willie Evans still resides in Buffalo and is very involved with the UB Football program. Mom and Pop Evans are the parents of Neal and Alan from one of Buffalo’s favorite bands, Soulive. I remember growing up and being at Al’s house and thinking how cool it was to see my friends dad on his very own collectible Football card from playing a couple of seasons with the Buffalo Bills back in the day.
What I DIDN’T know was the adversity that he had to face being one of only two black players on the UB Bulls in the late 1950′s. You really need to check this out. It really gave me hope in believing that this great city may STILL have some great people of compassion and integrity, after seeing what these guys stood for in the segregated and racist climate in the 60′s. These guys were the only UB team in 102 years of football to win a Bowl Bid. WTF!!?
Thanks to my man Uncle Lee for the heads up. Peace and love to the Evans, MY Fam!!!
November 24th, 2008 at 13:31
big up on the UB football mention, i remember rappin with the football players about this history, back when i was dorming at UB. they had no clue. just another example of how buffalo truly is ahead of the curve, yet so behind it at the same time. our university football takes one of the earliest organized stands, yet our city is still huber-segregated.
November 24th, 2008 at 18:00
Wow! Excellent clip. I am so so proud and fortunate to have played for Mr. Evans at City Honors. A special individual indeed and one who had a great impact on me as a young person, both as a coach and mentor. I’m sure his teammates all recognized what a genuinely good person Mr. Evans was and is. I’m sure that made the decision to refuse the bid an easy one. What a testimony to the Buffalo community and those football players to have risked ridicule, and their livelihood for their brothers. Man, how inspiring! I hope we can all learn and carry with us the same spirit of connectedness, and selflessness those young athletes demonstrated.
November 24th, 2008 at 20:49
Word brothas!! It’s incredible how monumental that was. The only team in 100+ years to when a Bowl bid and they turned it down. I’m nearly speechless as to how LOUD that speaks of these men and their character during those times. WOW!!!
What up Mone!!! CHS in full effect.
Thanks for contributing guys.
peace