The photographs of the brutal assault on Johnny Bright during a 1951 football game against Oklahoma A&M University sparked national outrage and brought to the forefront the stark reality of racism faced by Black athletes in America. These impactful images, captured by Des Moines Register photographers John Robinson and Don Ultang, earned them the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Photography in 1952, underscoring the significance of the event.
Following the vicious attack on Johnny Bright during the Oklahoma A&M game, Drake University made a decisive move, withdrawing from the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC). This action was prompted by the conference’s refusal to condemn or take action against Oklahoma A&M for the incident. Bradley University demonstrated solidarity with Drake, also choosing to leave the MVC. Decades later, in 2005, Oklahoma State University President David Schmidly issued a formal letter of apology to Drake University, acknowledging his team’s behavior as “an ugly mark on Oklahoma State University and college football,” reflecting a long-overdue recognition of the injustice Johnny Bright endured.
Despite the abhorrent racism he faced, Johnny Bright’s exceptional talent was undeniable. He was drafted by the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 1952 NFL draft. This selection was particularly noteworthy as Bright was poised to become the Eagles’ first Black player. However, facing the very real threat of continued racist abuse and violence in the NFL, Johnny Bright made a courageous decision to take his career to the Canadian Football League (CFL). This move proved transformative as Bright flourished in the CFL, becoming one of the most celebrated and accomplished professional football players in Canadian history. His contributions to the sport were formally recognized with his induction into the CFL Hall of Fame in 1970, cementing his legacy as a football icon.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Johnny Bright was deeply committed to education. He utilized his bachelor’s degree in education from Drake University to dedicate his life to teaching, coaching, and school administration within Edmonton Public Schools. Throughout the 1960s, he coached football at Bonnie Doon High School, shaping young lives both on and off the field. At the time of his passing, he was serving as a junior high school principal, a testament to his dedication to education leadership. His profound impact on education is further honored by the Johnny Bright School in Edmonton, a school serving students from kindergarten through grade nine, named in his memory.
Drake University has also taken significant steps to commemorate Johnny Bright’s enduring legacy. In 2006, the university renamed the football field at Drake Stadium as Johnny Bright Field, celebrating his athletic accomplishments on the very field where he once played. Furthermore, Drake University established Bright College in honor of Johnny Bright, recognizing his profound legacy as an accomplished and dedicated educator. This recognition highlights the aspect of his life Johnny Bright himself held most dear – his commitment to education and his pride in shaping future generations. Through these lasting tributes, Johnny Bright’s story continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of resilience and the importance of fighting against injustice.
