Jim Beckerich gave a very emotional presentation at DNP's October 13 meeting. In 1958 Jim was a member of the University of Buffalo (UB) football team that was invited to play in the Tangerine Bowl in Florida. After being invited, the sponsoring organization notified UB that the two Negro players on the team would not be allowed to play in the bowl.Without hesitation, the entire team voted to turn down the Tangerine Bowl invitation. Although little publicity was given to the event outside the Buffalo area, in 2008, ESPN learned of the event and made a documentary. While the 1958 sponsoring organization no longer exists, in 2009 the City of Orlando Florida issued a formal apology to the 1958 UB team and invited them to participate in a special ceremony on the field where the 1958 Tangerine Bowl was played. Jim and his wife Sharon attended with pride.
Those of us who remember the early days of the Civil Rights movement were especially touched by Jim's presentation.
Jim can be reached at totallybeck@sbcglobal.net.
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