The Untold Journey: The Story of Black High School Football in Texas

Football has always been a revered sport in the state of Texas. From Friday night lights to the roar of the crowd, the gridiron holds a special place in the hearts of many Texans. But amidst the glory and fame, there is a story that remains untold – the story of black high school football in Texas.

The Early Days

During the era of segregation, black high schools were often overlooked and disregarded. Resources were scarce, but the passion for the game burned brightly. Despite limited funding and poorer facilities, black high school teams in Texas showcased exceptional talent and unmatched determination.

Not only did these teams face the challenge of playing against better-funded white schools, but they also had to navigate the racial tensions that plagued the state. Nevertheless, the black high school football community persisted, carving a path towards progress both on and off the field.

Thursday Night Lights: The Story of Black High School Football in Texas

by Vahé Tachjian (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10459 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Trailblazers and Heroes

Black high school football teams produced many trailblazers and heroes who would change the game forever. From coaches who inspired their players to break barriers, to players who defied expectations and paved the way for future generations – their stories deserve to be celebrated.

One such hero was Coach Eddie Robinson, who coached at Carver High School in Houston. Robinson's innovative strategies and emphasis on discipline transformed his team into a force to be reckoned with. Under his guidance, Carver High School achieved unprecedented success, winning multiple championships and showcasing incredible talent.

Another legend, Deacon Jones, emerged from the black high school football scene in Texas. Known for his ferocious defensive skills, Jones would later go on to dominate the NFL as one of the league's greatest defensive players of all time. His journey began on the fields of Central High School in Paris, Texas, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success.

Overcoming Adversity

Black high school football in Texas faced numerous challenges throughout its history. From racial segregation to unequal opportunities, the journey was far from easy. Yet, despite these adversities, the spirit of the game prevailed.

Black high school teams often had to endure long bus rides to away games due to limited funding, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles overnight to compete. But the love of football and the desire to excel pushed these teams forward.

Even after the integration of schools and the consolidation of black and white football programs, the legacy of black high school football in Texas remains firmly imprinted on the landscape of the game.

A Legacy Remembered

Today, the story of black high school football in Texas serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of the African American community. It stands as a testament to the power of unity, dedication, and unwavering passion.

Though the specific teams and players may have changed, the spirit that once fueled black high school football in Texas still lives on. It has transcended the field and become a timeless symbol of triumph over adversity.

So, the next time you witness the electrifying atmosphere of a Texas high school football game, take a moment to remember the untold story that shaped the history of the game – the story of black high school football in Texas.

The legacy of black high school football in Texas is one that should never be forgotten. It is a story of triumph over adversity, of unity and perseverance. Through the struggles and challenges, black high school football teams left an indelible mark on the sport, paving the way for future generations of athletes.

Let us honor the trailblazers and heroes who paved the way for the sport we know and love today. Their passion, talent, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire us and remind us of the power of the human spirit both on and off the football field.

Thursday Night Lights: The Story of Black High School Football in Texas

by Vahé Tachjian (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10459 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The history of black high school football in segregated Texas: “Though this book is long overdue, it is also right on time.” —Texas Observer 

At a time when “Friday night lights” shone only on white high school football games, African American teams across Texas burned up the gridiron on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Temple Dunbar, Austin Anderson, and other segregated high schools in the Prairie View Interscholastic League—the African American counterpart of the University Interscholastic League, which excluded black schools from membership until 1967—created an exciting brand of football that produced hundreds of outstanding players, many of whom became college All-Americans, All-Pros, and Pro Football Hall of Famers, including NFL greats such as “Mean” Joe Green, Otis Taylor, Dick “Night Train” Lane, Ken Houston, and Bubba Smith.

Thursday Night Lights tells the inspiring, largely unknown story of African American high school football in Texas. Drawing on interviews, newspaper stories, and memorabilia, Michael Hurd introduces the players, coaches, schools, and towns where African Americans built powerhouse football programs under the PVIL leadership. He covers fifty years of history, including championship seasons and legendary rivalries such as the annual Turkey Day Classic game between Houston schools Jack Yates and Phillis Wheatley, which drew standing-room-only crowds of up to 40,000. In telling this story, Hurd explains why the PVIL was necessary, traces its development, and shows how football offered a potent source of pride and ambition in the black community, helping black kids succeed both athletically and educationally in a racist society.

“[A] groundbreaking book.” —Houston Chronicle

“In America’s current Colin Kaepernick-inspired moment, with sports once again taking on a conspicuous role in debates about black citizenship and the persistence of white racism, this book is especially timely and important.” —Great Plains Quarterly