SMU’s biggest claim to diversity is the role it played in breaking the color barrier in the Southwest Conference. But even in February, when many institutions try to capitalize on Black History Month by playing up diversity and acceptance, SMU is silent.
SMU football coach Hayden Fry recruited Jerry LeVias in 1965, making LeVias the first black football player to be awarded a scholarship in the SWC. LeVias’ signing is a milestone in black history and is listed as No. 5 on the “90 Greatest Moments in SMU Football.”
Yet there are not any events planned in remembrance of the role SMU or LeVias played in breaking the color barrier in the SWC. Not this year or any other year.
“I look forward to the day that SMU will embrace and be proud of the fact that they helped integrate the South,” said LeVias in his acceptance speech for the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The university still has a racial problem.
Although LeVias has received numerous awards for his athletic accomplishments, the Distinguished Alumni Award was the first accolade that honored LeVias’ contribution to the university. It took 40 years, but even this award is not directly related to the struggles he faced while at the center of the volatile racial climate in the 1960s.
LeVias was a target. Fellow students spat on him, players from opposing teams gouged his eyes after tackles and people threatened his life.
LeVias played a much different game than any other player who followed, and his football jersey, No. 23, should be retired to honor his perseverance.
SMU should also have a day of remembrance on the anniversary of LeVias’ first varsity college game, Sept. 24, 1966.
It should be a day to remember how things were in the past as a way to aim higher in the future – so history does not repeat itself.
-Kelsey McKinney
