Fair Play

In October, I watched an amazing film entitled "Fair Play" that was part of the film series, Have You Heard from Johannesburg. 

UK's Kastle Hall was filled with people of all demographics and ages, there were married couples, students and various faculty members in attendance. 

The film took us on an adventure through the apartheid in South Africa, yet also the effect it had upon the nation's beloved sports. Also, not only did the apartheid effect South Africa's sports but also many other countries'. 

Youth around the world protested when South Africa was banned from entering the Olympics in 1964. 

A BBC article from 1964 reads: 

"It said the decision could be overturned only if South Africa renounced racial discrimination in sport and opposed the ban in its own country on competition between white and black athletes."

In efforts to link Kentucky with South Africa, A&S did a wonderful job. Chip Cosby, an African-American reporter from the Lexington Herald-Leader, was there to commentate on his experiences with writing sports stories.

I was very interested in hearing how journalists kept their opinions to themselves while reporting on racial discrimination. One reporter's words, an older man, I will never forget.

He was a reporter during the Adolf Rupp era at UK. He was there to report on when Rupp signed the first African-American to play at UK. 

He became emotional when he commented on an African American man who became his mentor and much more of a father figure than his abusive biological one. 

The event was spectacular and eye opening. While underlying tensions are still very much present in our nation and in the south, we must continue to fight against them and as a journalist, cover news fairly for all demographics.