What do you think?
Rate this book
Through the Banks of the Red Cedar: My Father and the Team That Changed the Game
A warm and invigorating memoir about a daughter’s love for her father and her appreciation for how he and others changed the game of football forever.
Gene Washington’s football career ended long before his daughter Maya was born. She never saw the legendary powerhouse as anything but her dad. She didn’t yet grasp the impact he’d had on the sport—and on America. To understand his historic role in the integration of college football, witness his influence on generations that followed, and fully appreciate his legacy, Maya had a lot of catching up to do.
Maya retraces her father’s journey from the segregated south to Michigan State during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement and his journey as an NFL pioneer after the 1967 draft. She reflects on how her father’s childhood—and the racism he faced—shaped her upbringing and influenced his expectations of her. She also discovers how unbreakable the emotional bond between teammates can be. But above all, Maya and her father get to know each other. As their own bond deepens, so does Maya’s connection to the sport that changed the trajectory of her father’s life…and hers.
Gene Washington’s football career ended long before his daughter Maya was born. She never saw the legendary powerhouse as anything but her dad. She didn’t yet grasp the impact he’d had on the sport—and on America. To understand his historic role in the integration of college football, witness his influence on generations that followed, and fully appreciate his legacy, Maya had a lot of catching up to do.
Maya retraces her father’s journey from the segregated south to Michigan State during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement and his journey as an NFL pioneer after the 1967 draft. She reflects on how her father’s childhood—and the racism he faced—shaped her upbringing and influenced his expectations of her. She also discovers how unbreakable the emotional bond between teammates can be. But above all, Maya and her father get to know each other. As their own bond deepens, so does Maya’s connection to the sport that changed the trajectory of her father’s life…and hers.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
447 people are currently reading
998 people want to read
About the author
Maya Washington
4 books6 followersMaya Washington is an award-winning narrative and documentary filmmaker (writer/director/producer), actress, writer, poet, creative director, photographer, and arts educator. She is dedicated to social-impact stories that illuminate aspects of the human experience that are untold or rarely seen or that might benefit from new approaches to issues of diversity and inclusion..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 15, 2021
Overall, it’s an interesting look at just how different everything was for players back then. An interesting insight into a Father/Daughter bond that had me thinking about my relationship with my own Dad as well as with my kids.
But mostly it left me wanting MORE about Gene Washington’ s actual football and sports career, stories about the team referenced in the title of the book, or even a deeper look at the beautiful and slightly sad Father/Daughter bond between Maya and Gene.
Instead, what we get which is a disjointed mix of the general history of the civil rights movement with a smattering of actual sports/football stories and a bit of extra talk about the nature of the relationship between Gene and Maya as his whole career in football happened largely before she was even born.
I found myself wishing that the book would have just picked a focus and went all in on it.
If it was to be about his career and that team, then go ALL IN on those stories and details.
If instead it was to be about the events happening in society during the Civil Rights Movement, fantastic, write the book about that and skip the Gene Washington and the team that changed the game parts.
But because it doesn’t commit to any of them, it feels like they are all kind of short changed for attention in the book.
Very unfortunate as I think any one of those topics, had they been the only focus of the book, would have been very interesting to read and the author does a nice job writing and bringing us along on the journey.
I’m sure there will be some who feel “I’m missing the point of this book because it’s a powerful look at the immense struggle based around race that players faced in that time.” Believe me, I absolutely understand, and would have LOVED if the book would have focused on that to better share those struggles. What these players faced in those days was insane, what they accomplished in the face of that is incredible.
But this book only lightly scratches the surface of telling us about it.
As always, the full review can be found at the AIC Stories website here:
https://aicpod.com/2021/12/15/through...
But mostly it left me wanting MORE about Gene Washington’ s actual football and sports career, stories about the team referenced in the title of the book, or even a deeper look at the beautiful and slightly sad Father/Daughter bond between Maya and Gene.
Instead, what we get which is a disjointed mix of the general history of the civil rights movement with a smattering of actual sports/football stories and a bit of extra talk about the nature of the relationship between Gene and Maya as his whole career in football happened largely before she was even born.
I found myself wishing that the book would have just picked a focus and went all in on it.
If it was to be about his career and that team, then go ALL IN on those stories and details.
If instead it was to be about the events happening in society during the Civil Rights Movement, fantastic, write the book about that and skip the Gene Washington and the team that changed the game parts.
But because it doesn’t commit to any of them, it feels like they are all kind of short changed for attention in the book.
Very unfortunate as I think any one of those topics, had they been the only focus of the book, would have been very interesting to read and the author does a nice job writing and bringing us along on the journey.
I’m sure there will be some who feel “I’m missing the point of this book because it’s a powerful look at the immense struggle based around race that players faced in that time.” Believe me, I absolutely understand, and would have LOVED if the book would have focused on that to better share those struggles. What these players faced in those days was insane, what they accomplished in the face of that is incredible.
But this book only lightly scratches the surface of telling us about it.
As always, the full review can be found at the AIC Stories website here:
https://aicpod.com/2021/12/15/through...
January 6, 2022
I was very interested in getting more insight into the challenges and struggles that the young men who were instrumental in integrating college and pro-football faced and how they helped change not only the face of American sports but American society in general. Maya Washington addressed an important and very timely topic. She is clearly passionate about shedding more light on the story of her father and his colleagues, but unfortunately the poor writing and editing of the book made it difficult to stick with and finish the book. The sloppy grammar, awkward sentence construction and frequent changes in topic mid-paragraph made it a chore to read.
December 3, 2021
The published synopsis of the book is accurate and fairly presented. I am the approximate age of Gene Washington and have a long connection with Michigan State University. Both of which provide a “connection” to the basic facts related in the book. My guess is that many without a similar connection would not be compelled to read the book. However, I suggest that would be shortsighted; not because the book is such a “page turner” or “exciting” but rather because it is so personal and is so stark in reminding us of the sorrowful impact of discrimination and the great achievement of black athletes striving to achieve what we all want - a good life, happiness, success, and freedom to follow our own path. While hearing of the key events related in the book on the evening news and watching Gene Washington on Sundays, I was largely oblivious of the pervasiveness of racism and it’s impacts on real people. This book is a personal retelling of the author’s father and her personal reflections of his life. But more importantly, it reminds us of how far we have come in the last 60 years but also the “mountainous” threats and challenges that remain. The author I believe presented her story fairly without “editorializing”. I knew of this effort (documentary) but was surprised that this book was a December ‘21 Amazon Prime “1st Read”. It is deserving and hopefully will be read by many. We read for many reasons, but this book spoke to me in a personal way. I hope it does to orders as well.
November 11, 2022
I tried, I really did, but this book is terrible. As she admits, Maya Washington knows very little about sports, including football, and it comes through clearly in the few snippets that do involve sports. Even worse, it's a meandering and disjointed mess. Worst of all, it has virtually nothing to do with Gene Washington or the team that supposedly changed the game.
December 18, 2021
I quite enjoyed this book since I found it to be refreshingly inspirational.
💥 Recommended.
♦️ Received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author.
💥 Recommended.
♦️ Received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author.
January 23, 2022
Enjoyed reading most of it.
The parts where there were a lot of statistics, a lot of facts, read like a textbook. I didn't enjoy those parts. They are the reason that I don't read a lot of nonfiction. The parts where Ms. Washington wrote about her Dad and other individuals, including herself, were more important for me. I could get a glimpse of how they felt. I am definitely going to look up the documentary film. I studied at MSU from 1969 through1973. I wasn't aware that some racial barriers had been broken earlier and that I may have attended classes with some of the people written about here.
The parts where there were a lot of statistics, a lot of facts, read like a textbook. I didn't enjoy those parts. They are the reason that I don't read a lot of nonfiction. The parts where Ms. Washington wrote about her Dad and other individuals, including herself, were more important for me. I could get a glimpse of how they felt. I am definitely going to look up the documentary film. I studied at MSU from 1969 through1973. I wasn't aware that some racial barriers had been broken earlier and that I may have attended classes with some of the people written about here.
December 20, 2021
The author Maya Washington’s father is Gene Washington. (In order not to confuse, I will refer to them in this review by their first names.) Gene was among the first black football players on nationally prominent college and NFL/AFL teams in the 1960s. He grew up in Jim Crow Texas, but played football for Michigan State University. Not only did he help to integrate the sport; he also laid the groundwork for football becoming so central to American culture. In this story, Maya tells his story and his friends’ stories while sharing how she – notably, not an avid sports’ fan before this project – grew closer to Gene throughout this process.
By trade, Maya is not a writer but a filmmaker. This book is preceded in time by a documentary with the same name. (The documentary is being aired privately at the time of this writing in late 2021.) Using the same research, she shares their collective story in a literary format. The book touches on deep themes like racism, economic mobility, family, the need for social dignity, and the rights of athletes to be rewarded for their work.
Gene played with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos for several seasons with a career limited by injury. In concert with recent trends, he is being (rightly) acknowledged as among a generation who laid the foundation for integrated college football, for the Minnesota Vikings franchise, and for the early growth of the NFL. Of course, his daughter’s perspective allows his personal side to be brought to light as well, and that thread makes this story especially heartwarming.
This historical tale will appear particularly to football fans and more broadly to all those who yearn for a more just society. Football is a big industry in American society, and aspiring football players can learn through Maya the complexities of its ascent. Female football fans might also appreciate her account, which speaks of feminine roles in this traditionally masculine of sports. Stories and voices like these need to be recorded before this generation of American heroes dies. Their work, courage, and sacrifices have helped us all become better.
By trade, Maya is not a writer but a filmmaker. This book is preceded in time by a documentary with the same name. (The documentary is being aired privately at the time of this writing in late 2021.) Using the same research, she shares their collective story in a literary format. The book touches on deep themes like racism, economic mobility, family, the need for social dignity, and the rights of athletes to be rewarded for their work.
Gene played with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos for several seasons with a career limited by injury. In concert with recent trends, he is being (rightly) acknowledged as among a generation who laid the foundation for integrated college football, for the Minnesota Vikings franchise, and for the early growth of the NFL. Of course, his daughter’s perspective allows his personal side to be brought to light as well, and that thread makes this story especially heartwarming.
This historical tale will appear particularly to football fans and more broadly to all those who yearn for a more just society. Football is a big industry in American society, and aspiring football players can learn through Maya the complexities of its ascent. Female football fans might also appreciate her account, which speaks of feminine roles in this traditionally masculine of sports. Stories and voices like these need to be recorded before this generation of American heroes dies. Their work, courage, and sacrifices have helped us all become better.
March 17, 2022
This might be a rare case where I read the book first, and I can't wait to watch the documentary film version instead. I learned a ton about Michigan State and the leadership role President Hannah and its football teams played in addressing systemic racism in the mid-20th century. I learned more about the Game of the Decade and MSU's championships teams of 1965 and 1966.
Maya's writing cast a spotlight on Gene's experiences in Jim Crow Texas. She shared observations about racism in America over the past 60 years. She revealed intimate thoughts about her journey to get closer to her father, mother and various family and friends.
But the writing and story-telling was just average, in my opinion.... which is why I want to see the film. The book reads like a series of vignettes or shorts, and I suspect it might just flow together much better via words AND pictures.
At its best, this book addresses systemic racism and invites readers of all privileges to stop and consider where we are as a country, where we came from, and where we're going. Following are Maya's words at her self-reflective best... not words you'd expect to find in a football player's biography. I hope it makes you want to read more.
"Now when I attend games with my dad and put my hand over my heart during the anthem, I think about the private indignities he and his most celebrated teammates endured for the game and the legacy they've left for future generations. For hundreds of years, the United States has attempted to stitch herself together like every symbolic star added to the flag. My African and indigenous ancestors bore the brunt of this colonial injury. Any grace afforded me has been the result of the moral or political awakening of those who oppressed them, and the courage, faith, and resilience of a bloodline that willed me into existence."
Maya's writing cast a spotlight on Gene's experiences in Jim Crow Texas. She shared observations about racism in America over the past 60 years. She revealed intimate thoughts about her journey to get closer to her father, mother and various family and friends.
But the writing and story-telling was just average, in my opinion.... which is why I want to see the film. The book reads like a series of vignettes or shorts, and I suspect it might just flow together much better via words AND pictures.
At its best, this book addresses systemic racism and invites readers of all privileges to stop and consider where we are as a country, where we came from, and where we're going. Following are Maya's words at her self-reflective best... not words you'd expect to find in a football player's biography. I hope it makes you want to read more.
"Now when I attend games with my dad and put my hand over my heart during the anthem, I think about the private indignities he and his most celebrated teammates endured for the game and the legacy they've left for future generations. For hundreds of years, the United States has attempted to stitch herself together like every symbolic star added to the flag. My African and indigenous ancestors bore the brunt of this colonial injury. Any grace afforded me has been the result of the moral or political awakening of those who oppressed them, and the courage, faith, and resilience of a bloodline that willed me into existence."
September 20, 2022
I didn’t like this book. First off, I thought it was going to be about Gene Washington but it really wasn’t.
His daughter, Maya Washington, did write the book and she wrote things like (paraphrased) “This book is an opportunity to get to know my dad” and “I got a book deal on the topic so I guess I better go to some football games”
🤢🤮
She sounds to me like an opportunist. She got a book deal and even a chance to make a documentary because of her connection to her father, all while having very little interest in her dad and even less interest in football.
Maya Washington managed to make herself sound like a rotten narcissist to me. I started to really dislike her after a while.
The book also couldn’t pick a topic. Was it about her dad? Her family? Herself? Herself as a child? The history of Michigan State University? Football? Civil Rights? Racism?
It was just a hodgepodge of topics that jumped around all choppy like and disconnected.
The way she writes about racism is also kind of irritating because it’s obvious she’s never experienced it first hand. She’s just offended by what others have lived through—which is totally understandable.
However, since she’s a privileged narcissist who didn’t take an interest in her dad until she got a book deal, her writing about racism comes off as kind of detached. She just lists terrible events without having any feeling behind her words.
I wouldn’t bother reading anything else this Maya Washington lady writes. Bottom line: the book sucks 👎
His daughter, Maya Washington, did write the book and she wrote things like (paraphrased) “This book is an opportunity to get to know my dad” and “I got a book deal on the topic so I guess I better go to some football games”
🤢🤮
She sounds to me like an opportunist. She got a book deal and even a chance to make a documentary because of her connection to her father, all while having very little interest in her dad and even less interest in football.
Maya Washington managed to make herself sound like a rotten narcissist to me. I started to really dislike her after a while.
The book also couldn’t pick a topic. Was it about her dad? Her family? Herself? Herself as a child? The history of Michigan State University? Football? Civil Rights? Racism?
It was just a hodgepodge of topics that jumped around all choppy like and disconnected.
The way she writes about racism is also kind of irritating because it’s obvious she’s never experienced it first hand. She’s just offended by what others have lived through—which is totally understandable.
However, since she’s a privileged narcissist who didn’t take an interest in her dad until she got a book deal, her writing about racism comes off as kind of detached. She just lists terrible events without having any feeling behind her words.
I wouldn’t bother reading anything else this Maya Washington lady writes. Bottom line: the book sucks 👎
December 15, 2021
Spartan History and the Challenges Faced By Our Black Spartans.
Being a Spartan who's family has attended MSU for over 100 years this book brought back memories and answered many questions regarding the astigmatism of institutional racism. The next generation of my family to, hopefully, attend MSU is of mixed heritage. Due to the trailblazing done by Gene, Bubba, and Maya my family will have the opportunity to attend my Alma Mater. The stories brought to life the people I had admired and who my family were classmates with from 1986 through to 2021. Maya, you made me feel pride as a Spartan and sad as an Amercan who has seen this countries continued racism and impact of historical racism. I hope this book may serve as motivation for my fellow Spartans to stand up and actively fight racism.
I thank you Maya for bringing this labor of love to print. You are a captivating storyteller!
Being a Spartan who's family has attended MSU for over 100 years this book brought back memories and answered many questions regarding the astigmatism of institutional racism. The next generation of my family to, hopefully, attend MSU is of mixed heritage. Due to the trailblazing done by Gene, Bubba, and Maya my family will have the opportunity to attend my Alma Mater. The stories brought to life the people I had admired and who my family were classmates with from 1986 through to 2021. Maya, you made me feel pride as a Spartan and sad as an Amercan who has seen this countries continued racism and impact of historical racism. I hope this book may serve as motivation for my fellow Spartans to stand up and actively fight racism.
I thank you Maya for bringing this labor of love to print. You are a captivating storyteller!
March 14, 2025
For what I *thought* this book would be, a plain secondhand recount of the MSU teams of the mid-60s, it didn’t really live up to that, as maybe a quarter of the book was dedicated to going back in time with Gene Washington and those Duffy Daugherty MSU teams.
Instead, it provided not only a glimpse of the past but a perspective of integration, segregation, and the racism that has lasted from the original colonization of North America to today. It was pretty well-written, personal, and it tackles a lot of issues involving race, class, and other problems that plague this country.
I’m certainly going to recommend this book to my family so they can both A) finally read some good press about my school, Michigan State and B) get to gain a perspective about the past they may not be keen to.
Go Green
Instead, it provided not only a glimpse of the past but a perspective of integration, segregation, and the racism that has lasted from the original colonization of North America to today. It was pretty well-written, personal, and it tackles a lot of issues involving race, class, and other problems that plague this country.
I’m certainly going to recommend this book to my family so they can both A) finally read some good press about my school, Michigan State and B) get to gain a perspective about the past they may not be keen to.
Go Green
January 28, 2022
Well Worth Readinh
This is not normally the type of book I would read but I’m so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone. Written by his daughter, this is the story of Gene Washington, a Hall of Fame football player from a small segregated Texas town. It’s the story of how Michigan State was in the forefront of integration of Black football players. It’s the story of a daughter belatedly getting to know her famous father and his accomplishments. It’s the story of the Civil Rights struggle both in the Midwest and nationally.
It’s a view from the inside that is fascinating and informative. We see how little and conversely how much has changed in the past 50 years, how so much of the 60’s is replaying in the current surge of white supremacy.
This is not normally the type of book I would read but I’m so glad I stepped outside my comfort zone. Written by his daughter, this is the story of Gene Washington, a Hall of Fame football player from a small segregated Texas town. It’s the story of how Michigan State was in the forefront of integration of Black football players. It’s the story of a daughter belatedly getting to know her famous father and his accomplishments. It’s the story of the Civil Rights struggle both in the Midwest and nationally.
It’s a view from the inside that is fascinating and informative. We see how little and conversely how much has changed in the past 50 years, how so much of the 60’s is replaying in the current surge of white supremacy.
February 5, 2022
"Through the Banks of the Red Cedar" (a play on the fight song of Michigan State University) chronicles from a daughter's perspective and researches her father's ground-breaking history in college and professional football. Gene Washington was among several black football players who migrated from the South to the North to attend college and play football. He began his football career at Michigan State University and played in the "Game of the Decade" in 1966. He was drafted into the National Football League (NFL) by the Minnesota Vikings and later traded to the Denver Broncos. The book also highlights her father's racial experiences while playing football. He was a plaintiff in MacKey vs. the NFL (1975).
April 13, 2022
Enlightening, Entertaining, Thought-provoking
This book was so much more than I ever imagined. Having walked the campus at MSU almost every summer as a southern kid from rural Arkansas in the 70's and 80's, and continuing as a Spartan fan even to today I learned so much. This book hits so many emotional touch points and makes you consider things in ways you may never have otherwise. The interplay between family, race- relations, education, opportunity, and culture keeps your interest and does so in a way that we all need in our still struggling society. If you are strong enough to consider your weaknesses, and to challenge your own views of how the world works then this is a must read. Thank you Maya Washington for sharing your family's incredible journey!
This book was so much more than I ever imagined. Having walked the campus at MSU almost every summer as a southern kid from rural Arkansas in the 70's and 80's, and continuing as a Spartan fan even to today I learned so much. This book hits so many emotional touch points and makes you consider things in ways you may never have otherwise. The interplay between family, race- relations, education, opportunity, and culture keeps your interest and does so in a way that we all need in our still struggling society. If you are strong enough to consider your weaknesses, and to challenge your own views of how the world works then this is a must read. Thank you Maya Washington for sharing your family's incredible journey!
February 13, 2022
Deeply moving daughter's tribute
I was born in 1960 into a football loving family in St. Paul. These stories were not told in my growing up, even though the Vikings were the subject of much discussion. Before reading this book, I had never heard of the Rondo neighborhood nor realized how I-94 disrupted so many Black lives. (Ironically, my father's family lived on the edge of Rondo in the late 1930s and 1940s and loved the Hollie Q. Brown Community Center; he and his sister were the only Caucasian children that he remembers being there. Dad had a treasured older friend named "Sluggo" who took them under his wing.) Thank you, Maya.
I was born in 1960 into a football loving family in St. Paul. These stories were not told in my growing up, even though the Vikings were the subject of much discussion. Before reading this book, I had never heard of the Rondo neighborhood nor realized how I-94 disrupted so many Black lives. (Ironically, my father's family lived on the edge of Rondo in the late 1930s and 1940s and loved the Hollie Q. Brown Community Center; he and his sister were the only Caucasian children that he remembers being there. Dad had a treasured older friend named "Sluggo" who took them under his wing.) Thank you, Maya.
February 17, 2022
The story behind MSU's football integration
Outstanding book about Black History as it relates to the integration of collegiate football, particularly the MSU and the Big Ten during the 60s. As a Michigander many of my high school friends played on these teams and ran track with athletes mentioned in the book. While attending Michigan I saw many of these games but never realized the story behind the athletes and teams. The reader has to applaud Maya for the phenomenal research effort on this book and her detailed writing of the book as a first person account. Outstanding book!!!
Outstanding book about Black History as it relates to the integration of collegiate football, particularly the MSU and the Big Ten during the 60s. As a Michigander many of my high school friends played on these teams and ran track with athletes mentioned in the book. While attending Michigan I saw many of these games but never realized the story behind the athletes and teams. The reader has to applaud Maya for the phenomenal research effort on this book and her detailed writing of the book as a first person account. Outstanding book!!!
August 3, 2022
enlightening
I thought this was going to be a book about football, and it was in part. More than football, though, it was about racial inequality in the 1960’s and how Michigan State University integrated their football team and flew to the top of the polls. I had never heard of the players Maya Washington writes about, so everything was new to me. Some of the details about discrimination were shocking, such as football teams refusing to play teams that suited up black players. My alma mater was one of the teams that almost didn’t take the field during one game against MSU. Very enjoyable memoir, not what I expected but definitely worth my time.
I thought this was going to be a book about football, and it was in part. More than football, though, it was about racial inequality in the 1960’s and how Michigan State University integrated their football team and flew to the top of the polls. I had never heard of the players Maya Washington writes about, so everything was new to me. Some of the details about discrimination were shocking, such as football teams refusing to play teams that suited up black players. My alma mater was one of the teams that almost didn’t take the field during one game against MSU. Very enjoyable memoir, not what I expected but definitely worth my time.
December 27, 2024
I first added this book to my to read list in July of 2022, when it was published. I requested it form the library system and soon was notified that the only copy in the state went missing. A notice from my library told me a copy was available for pickup just before Christmas. Conspiracy theorists may think that a white supremest may have been responsible for the first copy’s disappearance. Another theory could have been that a diehard fan wanted the NFL to return to its old ways of controlling players.
This account is definitely a good read to anyone interested in racial inequality or athletes rights in American history.
This account is definitely a good read to anyone interested in racial inequality or athletes rights in American history.
January 19, 2022
I was at MSU during the time Gene Washington, Clint Jones, Bubba Smith and others were there. I lived in Wonders dorm my first year in college and many of the players also lived there. Bubba had a crush on my suitemate at the time and used to call to talk with me to try to get me to talk her into going out with him. Clint Jones sat behind me in one of my classes. I was at the MSU vs. Notre Dame football game in November 1966 when Notre Dame settled for the tie rather than trying for a win. This book truly brought back many memories of my days at MSU.
February 22, 2022
Excellent book
I don't like football. I'm always worried that someone will be hurt, so when I started the book I was less than enthusiastic. As I read it, remembering that some of my earliest football memories with dad were watching ON Simpson play for USC, I realized what a transformation these courageous MEN MEN were responsible for. As a child I only knew integrated schools and integrated teams. I really appreciated this book and the MEN who had the courage to face segregation head on. We, too, can finish the fight against racism if we step up with courage.
I don't like football. I'm always worried that someone will be hurt, so when I started the book I was less than enthusiastic. As I read it, remembering that some of my earliest football memories with dad were watching ON Simpson play for USC, I realized what a transformation these courageous MEN MEN were responsible for. As a child I only knew integrated schools and integrated teams. I really appreciated this book and the MEN who had the courage to face segregation head on. We, too, can finish the fight against racism if we step up with courage.
April 18, 2022
I found this to be very interesting. The author mentions the fact that MSU hasn't shared much about just how much Duffy Daugherty did with opening up college football to Black players from the south. Raised a Spartan I never knew this. I grew up in the 60's, even lived in Lansing during the late 60's; yes, I knew of the strife of all cultures at the time but that Blacks dealt two-faced northerners even though providing great football Saturdays for them was not clear to me then. I thank Eugene Washington and Maya for telling "the rest of the story".
January 13, 2022
Insightful biography of Gene Washington
I have never thought twice about whether a football player was black or white. After reading this book I have a new awareness of what black players have went through to play this game. Maya Washington does not pull any punches nor does she attempt to elicit pity. She simply and eloquently tells the story as it was. Definitely worth the read. I would love to see her documentary.
I have never thought twice about whether a football player was black or white. After reading this book I have a new awareness of what black players have went through to play this game. Maya Washington does not pull any punches nor does she attempt to elicit pity. She simply and eloquently tells the story as it was. Definitely worth the read. I would love to see her documentary.
January 17, 2022
A book about a daughter and her relationship with her dad and her unexpected insight into his journey in life dealing with racism and football. Seeing that type of history through her father’s eyes was pretty special to experience by reading her book. I have so much respect for what this man and his family have lived through and the dignity, respectability, and gratitude with which they have handled it.
April 15, 2022
History
Through The Banks Of The Red Cedar is an insightful, enlightening, and encouraging book about the challenges of African American and other people of color in life and especially in sports in the civil rights era. So many of those challenges are still challenges today. Maya Washington has written a book that should encourage all of us to strive for equality for all races in education, economics, health care, and all of life.
Through The Banks Of The Red Cedar is an insightful, enlightening, and encouraging book about the challenges of African American and other people of color in life and especially in sports in the civil rights era. So many of those challenges are still challenges today. Maya Washington has written a book that should encourage all of us to strive for equality for all races in education, economics, health care, and all of life.
May 3, 2022
3.5 stars
A facinating look at the life of Gene Washington, one of the first black men to play college football and get drafted into the NFL. He went to Michigan State University in the mid 1960's.
However, for my taste, the author decided to mix much of politics, the civil rights movement and her own feels in between the biography of her dad.
I thought the title of the book was creative. I have not watched the video by the same name.
A facinating look at the life of Gene Washington, one of the first black men to play college football and get drafted into the NFL. He went to Michigan State University in the mid 1960's.
However, for my taste, the author decided to mix much of politics, the civil rights movement and her own feels in between the biography of her dad.
I thought the title of the book was creative. I have not watched the video by the same name.
May 28, 2022
Impactful Read
I love documentaries. I didn’t know going into this book that the author first produced a documentary under the same name. The book expands on the story and the subject matter which was her father breaking racial barriers in the1960s through football. Recruited from the south, he and teammates braved a violently racially divided country. The author is a talented documentarian and the book shows her talent in telling a motivating story.
I love documentaries. I didn’t know going into this book that the author first produced a documentary under the same name. The book expands on the story and the subject matter which was her father breaking racial barriers in the1960s through football. Recruited from the south, he and teammates braved a violently racially divided country. The author is a talented documentarian and the book shows her talent in telling a motivating story.
July 21, 2022
Things I never knew
There were so many things I never knew occurred in the sports world back in the day. Although the sports world has evolved, there is so much more left to do according to the author. Her insightful comments were heartfelt. Even if you've never heard the names of the players in this book, readers should still be able gain a different point of view than before. Especially after reading her fathers account of his career.
There were so many things I never knew occurred in the sports world back in the day. Although the sports world has evolved, there is so much more left to do according to the author. Her insightful comments were heartfelt. Even if you've never heard the names of the players in this book, readers should still be able gain a different point of view than before. Especially after reading her fathers account of his career.
January 13, 2025
This is a good look at our history and all the challenges the African American race faced and endured. It makes me cringe and embarrasses me of the ignorance of many in the past. Hats off to Michigan State- I loved learning more about Gene Washington and his football teammates. Plus a track scholar too! What an athlete and humble man.
I definitely would like to see the documentary. I find him very intriguing and love to see/read about the bond between teammates.
I definitely would like to see the documentary. I find him very intriguing and love to see/read about the bond between teammates.
December 13, 2021
Was a disservice to Gene Washington. I was expecting much more from the author. Not just a Middle School level of what seemed like an unending series of cuts and pastes from Google or other sources without the benefit of much beyond regurtation and a seething anger about growing up privileged despite being African American.
December 16, 2021
Interesting story about Gene Washington, a NFL player in the late 60s/early 70s as told by his daughter. The story chronicles Gene’s (and family) journey from segregated Texas, to collegiate football at integrated Michigan State, and on to the NFL and beyond. There is much about race relations and problems encountered and overcome, and the ongoing fight against prejudice and human rights.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews