On October 19, 2020 the ABC-affiliated television station in Dallas, WFAA, premiered a mini documentary on Jerry LeVias (SMU, Class of 1969). The SMU alum was the first Black athlete who received a football scholarship to the NCAA’s Southwest Conference. Levias integrated the team at the university and experienced numerous acts of racism on campus. WFAA’s episode details what life was like for LeVias as he navigated integration during the mid-1960s. In this special, LeVias reflects on the Civil Rights Movement and today’s Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
To learn more about LeVias’ years at SMU, check out our interview with him. The clip excerpted below describes how he does not regret his tenure at SMU, despite the many difficulties he endured as he played for the football team. His drive allowed him to succeed at the school and continued to persevere after graduating. He ultimately became a professional football player and a successful businessman. LeVias ends by stating that he would not change any of his decisions.