Ford documentary to premiere at Museum

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A documentary about the lifelong friendship that developed in the face of racial discrimination at the University of Michigan in the 1930s is being shown in Grand Rapids.

Black and Blue can be seen at 7 p.m. Monday at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Brian Kruger and Buddy Moorehouse produced the story of two schools, two friends and a game that changed everything.

In 1934, the University of Michigan was scheduled to play Georgia Tech in football. Due to Jim Crow laws, Georgia Tech refused to play with any African American players on the field, leading U-M to sit out their star, Ward, according to a news release.

These actions led to pre-game protests from students, faculty and specifically Ford. Ford decided to take a stand against the injustice and not play in the game, but eventually by the request of Ward, Ford took the field without his friend.

The families of Ford and Ward still have a bond to this day. When the placement of Ford's statue was being considered at the U.S. Capitol, Ward's family came to honor and support Ford. Ward's grandson, former State Sen. Buzz Thomas, spoke on Ford's behalf. Their efforts helped to get the statue approved.

The free showing of Black and Blue is open to the public and there will be a discussion afterward with Kruger and Thomas.

Kruger said his goal is to bring the documentary into every public school in Michigan to reach as many youth and teens as possible. He is currently raising funds for this effort.

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Online:

More information about the documentary, including an interview with Kruger