ESPN Features ’51 USF Dons’ Fight for Equality

All men are created equal we told the world when declaring our independence.  For far too long, though, we didn't really hold that truth to be self-evident.  

We didn't, but the 1951 University of San Francisco Dons did.  That year, the jesuit university's football team went 9-0 and was invited to the Orange Bowl.  That invitation, though, was sent with a condition - a condition all too common in the days of segregated America.

The Orange bowl required that the integrated USF team leave their two black players at home. The Dons, though presented with the opportunity of a lifetime, declined.

"It was the right thing to do," they said.

ESPN highlighted the team and their decision Sunday night in a new documentary which will be replayed throughout the month. You can find a clip of it below. For more information check out the link at the bottom of the article.