This blog is dedicated to the life and legend of Ernie Davis. Ernie was a shining star in many respects, both on and off the field. Nicknamed The Elmira Express after his hometown of Elmira, NY, Ernie led Syracuse University to countless victories and was the first African American to receive the prestigious Heisman Trophy. Ernie was also the first African American to be the number one draft pick for the NFL in 1962.
Friday, October 10, 2008
A "Forgotten Hero" Comes to Life Today!
Today is the nationwide release of The Express: The Ernie Davis Story. I have heard from many individuals who attended both the Syracuse, NY release last month as well as the Elmira, NY release last night that the movie is incredible. As I anxiously await my chance to see Ernie Davis come to life on the big screen tonight, I can't help but wonder why it is that I didn't know more about him before the talk of this movie. Like Ernie, I grew up in Elmira and graduated from Elmira Free Academy. I even went to Ernie Davis Junior High School (now Ernie Davis Middle School and was actually Elmira Free Academy until the early 60’s when the current Elmira Free Academy was built). You would think that my classmates and I would have all been well educated on the life of Ernie Davis and unfortunately, this just wasn’t the case. I knew the very basics, but was shocked after doing my own research that Ernie Davis was truly an American hero. For this reason, I can’t help but agree with many individuals who have acknowledged Ernie as “one of America's forgotten heroes."
We live in a world that lives and breathes the media, so maybe it will take this film to create awareness of Ernie and his greatness. Visit www.theexpressmovie.com to view the official movie trailer, learn more about the cast, and the filming of the movie. Dennis Quaid, who plays Syracuse University football coach Ben Schwartzwalder, recently said, “This film really is about meeting life’s challenges with grace. That was Ernie. It is an inspirational story that is uplifting and emotional. There is something more than football." From what I know now, Ernie Davis was much more than football.
I am excited to hear reactions to the movie! I invite you to post your comments.
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