H.E.R.O From segregation to celebration the story of African Americans professional athletes in the United States Armed Forces, Interviews with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
A Documentary Vignette Series Inspired by
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Ü H.E.R.O Ü Program Synopsis The world of sports and service in the U.S. Armed Forces or military are such a strong part of the recognizable American fabric that it would be hard to imagine the social, cultural, or political development of this nation without addressing their significance for African Americans to celebrate their patriotism and being part of mainstream America. The post-slave society had no place for the black American, and if there were to be any area of the society where African Americans might have an integral function, that area would have to be one that he created for himself. It has been only a few generations since black Americans have been slaves in the sense that Baraka spoke of and the freedoms we have since been afforded and the profound achievements we have contributed to the fabric of American society have had an impact not only on our place in society but also on the ideals that shape the way of life by which we all as Americans honor our country through our patriotism. The athletic and military presence of African Americans, have help to define or accurately pinpoint the black idea of patriotism … the cost for citizenship in America. American patriotism has many faces. What does the contemporary face of black American patriotism look like? Sports and the U.S. Armed Forces have been arenas for African Americans to showcase their bravery, courage, and valor. Becoming a professional athlete or serving in the U.S. Armed Forces has defined or accurately pinpoint the black idea of patriotism. African American patriotism can be qualified not by blackness but rather defined by the varying levels of loyalty, spirit, and fearlessness to which are viewed at any point in time as being more or less "American". The United States since World War II, the world of sport has undergone dramatic changes. The first decade after the war witnessed the resurgence of baseball as the national sport, particularly with the return of hero-athletes, the formation and development of the National Basketball Association, and the transformation of professional football into a powerhouse organization vying with baseball as the national sport.
The war had improved the lot of the "uplift" organizations, the National Urban League, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, as well as the Congress of Racial Equality, which had conducted bus rides throughout the South in the war years in an attempt to regain those rights that had been taken away from African Americans after the end of Reconstruction.
In addition, African Americans had gained entry into the American Federation of Labor and other labor unions, and these organizations exerted additional political pressure on public institutions and on the larger population to treat Black people as equal citizens.
President Truman’s desegregation of military and the developments in the struggle for civil rights that began to peak in the 1953 Supreme Court Decision, Terry v. Adams, which ordered that Blacks be allowed to vote in primaries and all elections, and the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision, Brown v. the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, et al., which ordered school desegregation. These tremendous leaps forward reinforced the confidence of Black people in their efforts to gain and exercise full citizenship and its social freedoms and intensified the desire to excel in interracial sporting competitions and military service. The well-worn phrase was that African Americans knew that their behavior on the battlefield and on the playing -Field was to be a "credit to their race." These heroathletes, therefore, had to carry the burden of double circumspection, to fight and play better than whites and also to conduct a life that was far more exemplary than both their white counterparts and the ordinary white citizen.
America’s preoccupation with sports arguably surpasses any other nation’s obsession. The recent death of Pat Tillman, a U.S. Army Ranger serving in Afghanistan, is reminiscent of an era when military service and the fate of celebrity athletes resonated throughout the nation. Tillman’s sacrifice harkens back to a time when it was commonplace for American athletes to unhesitatingly volunteer and demonstrate true heroism in the service to their nation. African American hero-athletes sports stars at both the collegiate and professional level have carved out a record of bravery and a tradition of excellence on playing fields in sports arenas and in the U.S. Armed Forces in which they served. “From the Battlefield to the Playing Field” documentary vignette series for television will examine why Hall-of-Fame athletes-who answered the call and fought for their country in World War II. Perhaps no other enterprise has benefited the African American man, more directly or indirectly than sports. The sports arena for more than a hundred years has been a testing ground for Democracy. Through his exploits, he destroyed the myth of white superiority. We’ll also examine the military as one of the only places where African Americans could obtain the same advancements as their White counterparts, but then started to mirror the racism that persisted in civilian life. “From the Battlefield to the Playing Field” will not answer questions, but ask them as it showcases the parallels between professional sports and the military that went through cycles of growth and discrimination that resulted in little known triumphs of tragedies. These soldiers some of them not
household names all of them patriots served with distinction and sometimes died for liberty, freedom, equality, and democracy.
Ü “H.E.R.O” - Vignette Themes The untold story of the men who wore both the military and athletic uniforms with distinction and honor. They were victorious by valor in service of their country and on the playing field while changing the game when suited-up. Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Ü Additional - Vignette Themes - Earl Woods Father of Tiger Woods was a pioneering African-American Military athlete. A graduate of Kansas State University on a baseball scholarship and broke the "color barrier" in the Big 8, 1951. Played catcher and was good enough that the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues offered him a contract that he rejected and joined the US Army. Served two full tours of duty in the Vietnam War, the second as part of the elite Green Berets were, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. - Harold Robinson The first black scholarship athlete of the Big Seven Conference, credited with breaking the racial barrier in that conference in 1949. Served in the US Army during the Korean War and received a Purple Heart during his active time in the service. - Buck O'Neil Served in the U.S. Navy in a construction battalion was a member Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee played an important role in the induction of Negro League players. In 2006, was posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom due to his "excellence and determination both on and off the baseball field," according to the White House. He joins such sports notables as Jesse Owens, Muhammad Ali, Joe DiMaggio, and Jack Nicklaus in receiving the United States' highest civilian honor. - Emlen Tunnell The first African American inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame, played in the NFL for the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers. In 1999 was
ranked number 70 on The Sporting News' list of 100 Greatest Football Players. Served in US Coast Guard during WWII - Archie Williams Went to Berlin and won 1936 Olympic gold medal in the 400 meters, after graduating from Berkeley in 1939, went to Mississippi to train as a pilot with the Tuskegee Airmen. Later joined the Air Force and retired a Lieutenant Colonel in 1966. - Monte Irvin A baseball Hall of Fame Inductee served in the US Army during WW II was one of the first black players to be signed after baseball's color line was broken by Jackie Robinson . His career of excellence spanned across the Negro Leagues, National League, and MVP in the Mexican League. - Leon Day A baseball Hall of Fame inductee, during World War II Day served in the US Army, landing on Utah Beach on D-Day. He was discharged in 1946 pitched an opening day no-hitter against the Philadelphia Stars. - Ernie Banks In 1955, he set the record for grand slams in a single season with five, a record that stood for over twenty years. Twice the National League MVP Award served in the US Army during the Korean War Conflict. - Oscar Charleston who played baseball during the 1920's and 30's with the Kansas City Monarchs. Born in 1896, and as a youth of 15 joined the military as an underage runaway. Considered to be one of the top five players to play in the Negro League. - Willie Davenport Climbed up to Colonel of the United States National Guard at the time of his death, participated in hurdling events in four Olympic Games, winning the Gold Medal in the 110 meters, 1968. - Napoleon McCallum Trophy Played in the NFL as a Raider ranks second in NCAA Division-I history for allpurpose yards as a Naval Academy graduate. - Ken Norton Served in the Marine Corps won three All-Marine Heavyweight titles, inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992. - Spottswood Poles nickname, "The Black Ty Cobb" enlisted in the 369th Infantry, US Army, in 1917 earned five battle stars and a Purple Heart while fighting in France.
- Mike Anderson With Baltimore Ravens as a running back spent four years in the United States Marine Corps - David Robinson NBA star with San Antonio Spurs played NCAA basketball at the Naval Academy
Ü Production Design The foundation for this television series will come from a variety of personal narrative, personal mementos, primary documents, visual materials collected as archival footage, and landmarks. Although the African American military experience has been essential to the American historical appeal, there has been little effort made to share this information too much broader audience. This series of (1-2 minute) sponsor driven documentary vignettes will be designed to chronicle the service of African American military athletes who excelled in two uniforms and won on the battlefields of service and the playing fields and arenas of sports. These mini docs will include the first-person narration from today’s soldiers as a way to bring the history forward from the psycho-physical correspondence of men and women who we hope will find the information inspirational as well as educational. Being relevant to both the time and its American sports tradition, “From the Battle Field to the Playing Field” is a memorable tribute and celebration. The first series of (5) vignettes will capture the essence of the accomplishments of African American professional athletes dating from 1900’s to 1960’s. Set against the backdrop of a time still heated with the ongoing struggles against racial discrimination, this television exhibition highlighted through words, music, pictures, archival film, visual art, and other memorabilia the African American experience of personal sacrifice and the American experience of endurance and accomplishment. It starts with an era when African Americans were hardly permitted to do more than draw water and hew wood, African American athletes through their victories, eased the frustrations of fellow African Americans by assuring them that they too could be winners. This documentary series will touch on and identify the rise of African American sports stars and historical icons that happen to have served in the United States Armed Forces with pride and dignity. Hall-of-Fame athletes who answered the call and fought for their country, perhaps no other enterprise has benefited the Black American man, more directly or indirectly than sports and the U.S. Armed Forces. It will also highlight those outstanding modern-day African American sports figures that paved the way for the elimination of race as a qualification for those entering the broader American Sports Arena. The exhibit will end up this evolutionary role of African Americans in the sports arena by viewing some famed athletes of this
day who have brought American sports to a new level of achievement. Today we can all appreciate these competitors as they raise our spirits in an arena, which was once not open to them as African Americans. Finally, “From the Battlefield to the Playing Field” will also give the viewers a chance to consider the complex social challenges in which all African Americans are faced with. Challenges that gave way a rise to near “superstar” status greater worldwide recognition and propelled them into much more strategic positions as community leaders. Milestones A timeline that summarizes key highlights of African American professional athlete’s military participation from1900’s to the present. Segments will focus on all major contributions African Americans during this specific time frame. Featured aspects will include; memorabilia, photographs, archival footage, and historical facts and major achievements. African American Patriotism and Valor This sub-theme of the series will take a critical look at the expanding participation of African American athletes in the military and the cultural impact they have made in the broader society. This segment will not only celebrate their accomplishments, but focus on their influence on society, the sports industry, and the challenges to Black athletic stereotypes. Back Stories An ongoing theme will examine the growing number of African American athletes not traditionally associated with military service. These new sport heroes represent a departure from the assumptions of a lack of interest, physical ability, aptitude, or patriotic inability to participate. Contributors For many African Americans, the achievement of high athletic stature represents a viable option for improving economic standing and financial wealth. “From the Battlefield to the Playing Field” will highlight the manner in which African Americans are held up as “Superstars” and their post-game emergence as American heroes, community leaders and commercial entrepreneurs.
Ü Historical Portal The basic structure for the portal will be a Dakar Interactive hosted online broadband social networking that will provide an enhanced and more intuitive informational navigation, streaming multimedia content that will promote user interface and user involvement with “From the Battlefield to the Playing” programming and broadcast events. Site multimedia content will enhance use/viewers experience designed to drive traffic and track the audience through
online various user online tools. The portal will be targeted to African American Cultural Centers, Smithsonian, United States Armed Forces, Corporation Public Broadcasting, Library of Congress, and the communities they serve. Development of a “On Demand Portal” which would serve as an Event Web-site for all historical content related African Americans military information. The initial projected content plan is to develop the basic interactive structure online “Exchange Portal” while providing enhanced and more intuitive informational navigation that will promote user interface and user involvement with the site. In addition, Dakar Interactive will develop and engage additional corporate partners, alliances, and sponsors for the online portal. As an educational component and added value to the vignette series this online historical portal will be developed as an outreach tool. Designed as a social networking interactive historical site to enhance the overall experience of the TV series, which addresses the specific target audience with factual information. In addition, the historical portal will be marketed an enhanced informative media companion that will stimulate corporate branding and outreach of project sponsors, advertisers and partners. The online historical portal will feature: - Consistent, intuitive and fast branded users’ interface throughout all pages - Custom added value interactive site services for searching and displaying Information that will accommodate use interest and compelling ongoing visits - User database scripting for locating and searching - Full Multi-Media applications - Chronicled timeline - Interviews and back-stories from athletes - Rare historical archival footage and memorabilia - Sponsor Banner with support message - Information on the event and television program - Event behind the scenes coverage - On demand Highlight Reel - Profiles on television program participants - Online Polling - Background on sponsor relationship - Media Partners Directory
Ü Production Timeline
Historical Portal planning • production design • publicity packages Pre-Production planning/budgeting/marketing
Preview and Promotion
PROJECT TIMELINE2021 - 2022 Sept 17
Oct 17
Nov 17
Dec 17
Jan ‘18
Feb ‘18
Mar ‘18
April 18
May 18
June 18
R&D Phase & market research contact corporate sponsors, agencies Define target markets Development Production Budget - Contract Historian - Identify archive - Finalize script - Web Design and Budget - Finalize Funding Production
Post Production Launch full media TV airdates
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Ü Preliminary Work Plan PHASE I RESEARCH AND DATA
1.1 Organize and activate a team of scholars and research specialists who have the necessary expertise, resources and motivation to assist the planning, research and development.
1.2 Identify a body of scholarly research related to the historic development to present day assessment.
1.3 Identify materials and resources to be utilized in the production. 1.4 Identify topics and their resources. 1.5 Compose a master calendar of events and topics that will have the most audience appeal.
PHASE II PRE-PRODUCTION
2.1 Research and develop the (5) 1 – 2-minute program vignette themes. 2.2 Further shape and develop the content of the proposed television production.
2.3 Completion of detailed script treatments for all vignettes.
2.4 Detailed research, budget preparation and timetable. 2.5 Recruit production staff and crew. 2.6 Select talent. PHASE III PRODUCTION
3.1 Finalize participants and location sites and create a shooting schedule based on formats, treatments, scripts and crew availability at the location sites.
3.2 Complete shooting of two program episodes. 3.3 Complete a rough edit of the two program episodes. 3.4 Complete first draft of tabletop book, broadcast resource guide.
PHASE IV POST-PRODUCTION
4.1 Submit rough edit to the advisory group for review, comment and evaluation. 4.2 Finalize electronic graphics, keyable elements, animation, and special effects.
4.3 Record narration, and all voices over. 4.4 Finalize musical score. 4.5 Complete the final edit of the (5) program vignettes. 4.6 Host a special screening for advisory group and production participants. Phase V NATIONAL BROADCASTING
5.1 Develop and implement national publicity strategy. 5.2 Develop and implement national outreach strategy. 5.3 Arrange for national broadcast. 5.4 Arrange for national distribution of the program and resource guide. 5.5 Submit rough version of to advisory group. 5.6 Broadcast the four program episodes on National Television.
Ü Production Strategy
1. DEVELOPMENT
2. FINANCING
3. PRE-PRODUCTION Estimate Cost $50K Web Design and Buildout
4. PRODUCTION Estimate Cost $75K-$100K PER Vignette
5. RIGHTS CLEARANCES
6. POST-PRODUCTION
7. EXPLOITATION
Research Writing of the Script Production Schedule and Production Plan Production Budget Prepare Sales Materials Domestic and International Pre-Sales Identify Funding Appoint a Distributor (TV Sales Agent) Additional Research Identify Third Party footage sources Identify On Air Talent Final Shooting Script Final Production Budget Web Design and Beta Launch Shoot interviews Acquisition of references copies of all third-party footage Shoot studio sequences Shoot performance sequences Rough Cut for clearance purposes Negotiate fees for Third Party Master footage Negotiate Image and Likeness Rights Negotiate Publishing Clearances Adjust Rough Cut as per Clearances Formal Launch of Event Portal Fine Cut of "Master Version" of the (5) vignettes Fine cut of Domestic and international versions Fine cut of Theatrical version (if needed) Fine cut of digital version Execute all Third-Party Rights Agreements. Purchase Masters of all Third-Party material. Sell Domestic second window. Domestic streaming deal Distributor attends all relevant Trade Shows and Markets Sell international Broadcast Licenses International streaming deals
Ü Research and Development Budget (3 months) STAFF Project Manager Historian (1) Researchers (4) Managing Editor/Writer (1) Content Producer/Media Specialist (1) Media Assist. (2)
22,060.00 14,400.00 48,000.00 14,400.00 28,000.00 24,000.00
Archival Manager (1) Interns (4)
14,400.00 33,600.00 $198,860.00
Sub-Total Support/Services Review Conference 1,500.00 Hospitality 900.00 Clerical Supplies 1,500.00 Duplication 1,500.00 Télécommunications (phone, fax, Internet Access) 3,000.00 Content Digitizing-DVD (Transfer/Storage/Catalogued) 15,500.00 Shipping/Postage 1,800.00 Messenger Charges 500.00 Research Materials (Books, Video, Apps) 2,500.00 Database/Print Subscriptions 2,500.00 Travel Expenses 7,500.00 Sub-Total $38,700.00 Facilities/Equipment Research Office 9,000.00 Furnishing 2,000.00 Utilities 1,800.00 Asset Management/Intranet Portal 1,200.00 Office Computer Workstations (4) purchase 6,000.00 Mac G5 Digital Archival Workstation (1) purchase 3,500.00 MacBook Pro (Field Laptop/Digital Camera/Hand-audio recorder) (5) purchase 10,000.00 Off-Line Edit System (Final Cut Pro HD) rental 10,000.00 Sub-Total $43,500.00 Administration Legal Fees 5,000.00 Account Fees 5,000.00 Overages / Omissions / Errors 3,500.00 Sub-Total $13,000.00 BUDGET SUMMARY Staff……………………… $198,860.00 Support/Services……… $38,700.00 Facilities/Equipment…. $43,500.00 Administration…………. $13,000,00 TOTAL $294,060.00
Ü Brand Awareness This production presents the structure of a branding campaign and recommendations on a strategic culturally themed approach to connect with African American community. The Dakar Interactive team will develop strategic steps necessary to seamlessly integrate brand messaging regarding sponsor products and services to increase public awareness of, access to, and appreciation of products and services. During the course of the research, the Dakar Interactive team will be able to assist with adding corporate sponsor and partner back stories online and offline to brand presence especially in African American target markets, general markets, and US Armed Forces agencies
associated with this production. Content can be prepared for other purposes (i.e. marketing vehicles, consumer incentives, promotions, community outreach, and public relations, etc.…), consideration will be made to fashion a media campaign to reach a larger audience by posting the same fact-finding content on web sites and as public services announcements in all media. This production is an opportunity for corporate sponsors and partners to assist in creating a formidable brand to celebrate the legacy of African American sports heroes that served their country. Being associated with this production allows a corporate sponsor and partners to become the trustee of a unified media collection that documents and preserves the history of African Americans. Through the collection, and its presentation to the public in all media, corporate brands can be identified as a committed partner and supporter of the vital role African Americans continue to play in Americans legacy. Positioning - Match resources and services to enhance corporate relationships. Marketing - Brand product and services at every phase of research, production, distribution, and presentation with relevant custom messaging tailored for directto-end. Promotions - Provide target markets with value added tangible resources and service attributes Segmentation - Identifying niche groups within targeted communities and influencers that understand and appreciate the importance of corporate support partnership
Ü Corporate Sponsors and Partnerships As the primary sponsor and or partner will receive a comprehensive value-added market exclusivity giving corporate brands a national presence throughout the service of the partnership and a concentrated presence throughout broadband and television broadcast market reach. Benefits include title sponsor recognition: •
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Broad coverage of the African American population
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The brand and message are advertised in African American targeted media outlets
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Culturally relevant content means broad acceptance of corporate brands
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Topics designed to appeal specifically to the total community
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Unique topics that break through the clutter, your advertising gets noticed
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Media content and marketing message that celebrates the African American experience
Ü Sponsorship Benefits The corporate partners and sponsors who have a vested interest in presenting “From the Battlefield to the Playing Field” to the American public will net considerable benefits including: • The opportunity to link their corporation service or product with one of the most recognizable America institutions (US Armed Forces and Sports) in an effort that will be viewed as positive and timely. • High traffic of potential of loyal consumers • Solidify and celebrate corporate diversity with the US Armed Forces and the communities they serve • The opportunity to include their own commercial message within the format of the vignettes presentation, marketing and promotions, and all public relation activities. • The opportunity to craft, with producer’s placement and production options which maximize the program’s reach to the specific target audiences sought by the sponsor.
Ü Sponsor Entitlements This title sponsorship will be primarily responsible for hosting and presenting “From the Battlefield to the Playfield”. As Title Sponsor, your corporation will be associated with this presentation will gain relationships and exposure opportunities leveraged throughout 2021 - 2022 and have first optional participation rights for
next year’s event and special promotional opportunities during the year. As the Title Sponsor will receive: On Site Exposure • Exclusive acknowledgement and recognition as Title Sponsor • Corporate logo listing on all event materials • Photo opts with top celebrities and guests • Corporate executive presenter during press conferences publicity events • Exclusive corporate signage displayed prominently throughout all media • Product placement position Print and Outdoor Exposure • Outside back cover full page color ad in Souvenir Journal • Corporate logo presence as Title Sponsor in ads for all publication • Signage on all posters, and handouts On-line Exposure • Fixed logo banner with hyperlink on Event Web portal home page • Fixed sponsored hyperlink along with event banner on media partner websites Corporate Entertainment • Pre-Event VIP Reception invitation • Special reserved seating Radio • Closing billboard on event promos • On air copy mentions Television • Opening and closing billboards on program vignettes • Opening and closing billboards on 30 second promo spots • Bumpers with sponsor reminders
Museum Exhibit and Art Gallery Examples
1912