
Through the Banks of the Red Cedar
My Father and the Team That Changed the Game
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Narrated by:
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Maya Washington
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By:
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Maya Washington
About this listen
A warm and invigorating memoir about a daughter’s love for her father and her appreciation for how he and others changed the game of football forever.
Gene Washington’s football career ended long before his daughter Maya was born. She never saw the legendary powerhouse as anything but her dad. She didn’t yet grasp the impact he’d had on the sport - and on America. To understand his historic role in the integration of college football, witness his influence on generations that followed, and fully appreciate his legacy, Maya had a lot of catching up to do.
Maya retraces her father’s journey from the segregated south to Michigan State during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement and his journey as an NFL pioneer after the 1967 draft. She reflects on how her father’s childhood - and the racism he faced - shaped her upbringing and influenced his expectations of her. She also discovers how unbreakable the emotional bond between teammates can be. But above all, Maya and her father get to know each other. As their own bond deepens, so does Maya’s connection to the sport that changed the trajectory of her father’s life...and hers.
©2021 by Maya Washington. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.Listeners also enjoyed...
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Critic reviews
“An immensely moving tribute to her father, former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Gene Washington…Readers will be enthralled and heartened by this unique look at the way sports can influence society.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“The book should appeal to college football enthusiasts, especially those interested in how racial issues impacted the sport during the 20th century.”—Kirkus Reviews
What listeners say about Through the Banks of the Red Cedar
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- DuckieDeb
- 02-12-23
A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Dad
I love memoirs, especially when read by the author. Maya Washington lovingly retraces her father, Gene Washington’s journey from the segregated south to Michigan State during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement and his journey as an NFL pioneer after the 1967 draft. He was drafted in the 1st round. #8 overall oil. She reflects on how her father’s childhood―and the racism he faced―shaped her upbringing and influenced his expectations of her. I have newfound respect for MSU smashing the color barrier in college football. Great book!
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- Farha
- 01-17-22
A MUST READ!!!
An Outstanding account of the history off the first black football players and of the sacrifices,hardwork and accomplishments of these players.
The love and admiration of a daughter for her father Gene Washington goes right to my heart. Gene Washington is truly an inspiration and a very humble man.
I enjoyed listening to the point of not being able to stop,have to listen to the author narrate again. Maya writes and narrates with a flare of elegance and grace.
I absolutely loved this book and look forward to reading more books by Maya Washington. God bless her and her beautiful family.
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