Three things occurred recently that got me thinking about what IU has or has not done to recognize the accomplishments of George Taliaferro. First let me say I have never met the man. In fact I have never seen the man. I am aware of him from things I have read mostly on the Peegs forum over the years.
The three things that got me thinking today about Mr. Taliaferro:
1. Today I watched the movie "42" about Jackie Robinson.
2. This past week I read about the "IU 10" and the reconciliation with the University. I was aware of the events but did not understand what the ramifications were regarding the recruitment of black players in the post-Pont era.
3. I recently read about West Point naming a barracks after General Benjamin Davis, the first black graduate of West Point of the 20th century. He had been ostracized by his classmates for all four years at West Point. The "invisible man" became the first black general in the Air Force. He died in 2002. The article ends with the statement: "This is not West Point at its finest hour. This is a chance for West Point to recognize one of its finest."
So I looked up George Taliaferros' accomplishments:
And then I looked at some IU sites to see what the University has done to recognize the man's remarkable attitude and accomplishments. IU has not even retired his number!
George Taliaferro is 88 years old. Wouldn't it be nice to pay tribute to the man while he is still alive? What are you waiting for?
The three things that got me thinking today about Mr. Taliaferro:
1. Today I watched the movie "42" about Jackie Robinson.
2. This past week I read about the "IU 10" and the reconciliation with the University. I was aware of the events but did not understand what the ramifications were regarding the recruitment of black players in the post-Pont era.
3. I recently read about West Point naming a barracks after General Benjamin Davis, the first black graduate of West Point of the 20th century. He had been ostracized by his classmates for all four years at West Point. The "invisible man" became the first black general in the Air Force. He died in 2002. The article ends with the statement: "This is not West Point at its finest hour. This is a chance for West Point to recognize one of its finest."
So I looked up George Taliaferros' accomplishments:
- 3-time All American at IU
- Led the Hoosiers to their only undefeated Big-10 champion season.
- First African American Football player drafted by and NFL team: Picked by the Chicago Bears in the thirteenth round of the 1949 draft but elected to sign with the Los Angeles Dons of the AAFC. Played with the Dons 1949; New York Yanks 1950-51; Dallas 1952; Baltimore 1953-54; Philadelphia 1955. Went to the Pro Bowl in 1951, 1952 and 1953.
- While at IU he endured a great deal of discrimination and abuse. His attitude and demeanor reminded me of the Jackie Robinson story.
- After his playing days he came back to IU as a special assistant to then-president John Ryan.
And then I looked at some IU sites to see what the University has done to recognize the man's remarkable attitude and accomplishments. IU has not even retired his number!
George Taliaferro is 88 years old. Wouldn't it be nice to pay tribute to the man while he is still alive? What are you waiting for?
Last edited: