Book Signing announced for “Glory – The Struggle for Yards, Inspiration from Turn of the Century African-American Unsung Heroes,” February 8th, 2024, 4-6:30 p.m. Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, BJCC, Birmingham

Former NFL veteran Gary Burley, children’s author Ralph Brooks, and award-winning journalist Donna Francavilla are planning a book-signing at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame for their new book, “Glory – The Struggle for Yards, Inspiration from Turn of the Century African-American Unsung Heroes,” which highlights 5 forgotten first Black NFL players who broke the color barrier around the turn of the 20th century.

The book is available at various booksellers and at iUniverse.com at Glory, The Struggle For Yards. Despite facing segregation, racism, and other challenges, these remarkable men played the sport with dedication and perseverance, achieving many firsts and proving themselves as players of equal strength, ability, and talent as their non-colored counterparts.

Glory – The Struggle for Yards” focuses on:
Hall of Famer Burl Toler
“The Black Cyclone” Charles Follis
“Motorcycle McDonald” Henry McDonald
“The Warrior of his Time” Gideon Smith
“The Human Torpedo” Fritz Pollard

In addition to the compelling narratives and rarely-seen photographs, the book includes a timeline of featured players, extensive author biographies, and a guidebook for parents and student-athletes from an ACT Certified Educator of Schools/Cleared programs Schools CEO Valencia Belle.