Wake Forest Athletics, African American Studies Program Host Author Dr. Derrick White
9/8/2021 9:24:00 AM | General
Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities and Director of African American Studies, Dr. Corey D. B. Walker will conduct a virtual discussion with University of Kentucky professor Dr. Derrick White on his book, Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Jake Gaither, Florida A&M, and the History of Black College Football.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- The Wake Forest football team will take on Historically Black College/University Norfolk State on Saturday at noon inside Truist Field.
As Wake Forest Athletics shared in its announcement of the Robert Grant and Kenneth "Butch" Henry Trailblazer Award last month, one of the greatest strengths of higher education is the opportunity for a dynamic journey of discovery; and at Wake Forest we are passionate about seeking knowledge, growth and understanding. The calling of Pro Humanitate is to use that knowledge and truth to better the lives of people and unite our communities.
In the ongoing effort to build unity, understanding and educate all within the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem community, Athletics and the African American Studies program at Wake Forest have partnered to share some history of HBCU football.
Norfolk State joined the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 1999, two years after becoming a NCAA Division I school. The MEAC is home to many HBCU's from the east coast. Saturday's contest will mark the first-ever meeting between the Deacon and Spartans on the gridiron.
Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities and Director of African American Studies Dr. Corey D. B. Walker will moderate a conversation with author and historian, Dr. Derrick White. White's book, Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Jake Gaither, Florida A&M, and the History of Black College Football, details the history of black college football through the last century. Dr. Walker will be joined by Dr. White via Zoom call at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9.
Everyone is welcome to virtually attend and more information is available here.
Zoom registration for the event is located here.
Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Jake Gaither, Florida A&M, and the History of Black College Football tells the story of the rise of black college football. The book uses the biography of Alonzo "Jake" Gaither and the Florida A&M football team. During segregation, black college football was able to succeed with the help of athletics enthusiasts in the media, the on-campus community, and the off-campus community. Following the end of World War II, black college football teams were among some of the best in the country. This period became known as "the golden age of black college football." The publication is regarded as one of the first comprehensive histories of black college athletics.
White is a Professor of History and African American and Africana Studies at the University of Kentucky. White earned his undergraduate degree at Ohio State University before becoming an associate professor of history at Dartmouth College. In addition to Blood, Sweat, and Tears, White has written and co-written several other books and journal articles. White also co-hosts a podcast called The Black Athlete with colleague Louis Moore. The podcast is available through Apple Podcasts, spotify, and various other streaming services.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING:
Wake Forest Professor of the Humanities and Director of African American Studies, Dr. Corey D.B. Walker:
- "Sports play a prominent role in our history and in our society. We cannot fully comprehend the dramatic changes to American democracy without understanding how sports reflect some of our highest aspirations as well as some of our deepest disappointments. Partnering with Wake Forest Athletics on this important conversation is a natural extension of our university's commitment to Pro Humanitate. Through these public conversations we create unique opportunities to learn, to share, and to grow."
- "Dr. Corey D.B. Walker's leadership and foresight to host this virtual forum is a tremendous way to share this impactful story by renowned historian and author, Derrick White. I am very excited for our entire community to hear the inspiring stories of HBCU football. Intercollegiate Athletics has a unique way of bringing communities together with multigenerational impact."
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