Through the Banks of the Red Cedar

In 1963 at Michigan State University, Head Coach Duffy Daugherty chose 23 black men to play on the college team. From this move came legends Gene Washington, Bubba Smith, George Webster and Clinton Jones. Director Maya Washington, Gene Washington’s daughter, charts the legacy of her father’s career and influence, along with the impact the events of 1963 have shown in the present day. A story of not only the sport, but of human determination, strength and connectivity, Through the Banks of the Red Cedar looks into the community built from Michigan State’s team, a community that first crossed the dividing lines of race and then broke them completely, leading the nation forward into a world beyond segregation. An inspiring and powerful work, Washington’s film is a love letter to her father and also a recollection of the hardships faced and strength shown by generations. (Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Festival)