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On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was president, Gerald Ford was a rising football star at the University of Michigan. But in 1934, his loyalty was tested when Georgia Tech refused to play if his Black teammate, Willis Ward, took the field. Author and historian John U. Bacon shares this remarkable story of friendship, integrity, and a quiet act of defiance that helped shape Ford’s views on civil rights.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate) 

On this episode of Our American Stories, before he was president, Gerald Ford was a rising football star at the University of Michigan. But in 1934, his loyalty was tested when Georgia Tech refused to play if his Black teammate, Willis Ward, took the field. Author and historian John U. Bacon shares this remarkable story of friendship, integrity, and a quiet act of defiance that helped shape Ford&rsquo;s views on civil rights.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>&nbsp;

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit, and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories

Our American Stories tells stories that aren’t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we’ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

Our American Stories tells stories that aren&rsquo;t being told. Positive stories about generosity and courage, resilience and redemption, faith and love. Stories about the past and present. And stories about ordinary Americans who do extraordinary things each and every day. Stories from our listeners about their lives. And their history. In that pursuit, we hope we&rsquo;ll be a place where listeners can refresh their spirit and be inspired by our stories.

The Game Gerald Ford Never Forgot: Football, Racism, and a Moment of Defiance in 1934

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/3542d63a-ea04-4106-94c5-b316014c9609/transcript

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On this episode of Our American Stories, few public figures captured the American mood quite like Will Rogers. Raised in "Indian Territory" and shaped by the traditions of the American West, he first gained attention as a rope-twirling performer in vaudeville. From there his career expanded rapidly. Rogers became a film star, newspaper columnist, and radio personality whose observations about politics and everyday life were quoted across the country.

Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial, shares the story of the man often called America’s cowboy philosopher, along with historic audio from Lux Radio Theater.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, few public figures captured the American mood quite like Will Rogers. Raised in "Indian Territory" and shaped by the traditions of the American West, he first gained attention as a rope-twirling performer in vaudeville. From there his career expanded rapidly. Rogers became a film star, newspaper columnist, and radio personality whose observations about politics and everyday life were quoted across the country. Tad Jones, director of the Will Rogers Memorial, shares the story of the man often called America&rsquo;s cowboy philosopher, along with historic audio from Lux Radio Theater.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Will Rogers: America’s Cowboy Philosopher

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/926d7501-266b-42c8-befc-b40b014ebe7c/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, Desi Arnaz fled Cuba as a teenager after his family lost everything during political upheaval. Starting over in Miami, he worked odd jobs, learned English, and fought his way into show business through sheer persistence and charisma. But his greatest impact wouldn’t just be as a performer — it would come behind the scenes.

As the co-star of I Love Lucy alongside Lucille Ball, Arnaz helped pioneer the three-camera filming technique, insisted on filming before a live studio audience, and co-founded Desilu Productions — the studio that would later produce iconic shows like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. In doing so, he helped invent the modern sitcom and reshape American entertainment.

Here to tell the remarkable story of Desi Arnaz, from refugee to television revolutionary, is our own Jim Watkins.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, Desi Arnaz fled Cuba as a teenager after his family lost everything during political upheaval. Starting over in Miami, he worked odd jobs, learned English, and fought his way into show business through sheer persistence and charisma. But his greatest impact wouldn&rsquo;t just be as a performer &mdash; it would come behind the scenes. As the co-star of I Love Lucy alongside Lucille Ball, Arnaz helped pioneer the three-camera filming technique, insisted on filming before a live studio audience, and co-founded Desilu Productions &mdash; the studio that would later produce iconic shows like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. In doing so, he helped invent the modern sitcom and reshape American entertainment. Here to tell the remarkable story of Desi Arnaz, from refugee to television revolutionary, is our own Jim Watkins.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

The Cuban Immigrant Who Became America's Favorite TV Star: The Story of Desi Arnez

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7b2228c1-1c5e-4dc7-af77-b40b014ebe93/transcript

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous documents ever written. Its words helped launch a revolution and have inspired independence movements around the world ever since.

But the parchment signed in 1776 faded badly over time. By the early twentieth century, it was nearly impossible to reproduce clearly. The version most Americans recognize today exists because of Theodore Ohman, an immigrant craftsman who settled in Memphis, Tennessee. Mark Hill tells the story of how Ohman created the detailed reproduction that preserved the Declaration’s appearance for generations.

Support the show (https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)

On this episode of Our American Stories, The Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous documents ever written. Its words helped launch a revolution and have inspired independence movements around the world ever since. But the parchment signed in 1776 faded badly over time. By the early twentieth century, it was nearly impossible to reproduce clearly. The version most Americans recognize today exists because of Theodore Ohman, an immigrant craftsman who settled in Memphis, Tennessee. Mark Hill tells the story of how Ohman created the detailed reproduction that preserved the Declaration&rsquo;s appearance for generations.
Support the show (<a href="https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)">https://www.ouramericanstories.com/donate)</a>

Why the Declaration of Independence We Display Isn’t the Original

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e6afee48-95c9-4485-90a8-b40b014ebe82/transcript

The Game Gerald Ford Never Forgot: Football, Racism, and a Moment of Defiance in 1934

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