CFL Toronto Argonauts

Black football players honoured for their contribution to the City of Toronto

Published on February 3, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release


Parks and Recreation--Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, Canadian Football League Commissioner Tom Wright and Toronto Argonauts President and CEO Keith Pelley unveiled the popular "Contributions of African Canadians" poster at City Hall as part of the celebrations for Black History Month.

The five legendary Toronto Argonauts; Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Ulysses Curtis, Chuck Ealey, Granville Liggins and R. Bruce Smith who are featured on this year's edition of the poster were in attendance.

During the 1950s when racism and discrimination were prevalent in the United States, the Toronto Argonauts Football Club and the Canadian Football League gave Black players opportunities that they would not have had in the US. Many of these players in turn recognized that Toronto also provided an excellent opportunity for life and went on to succeed in diverse endeavors Beyond the Game making exceptional contributions to the community as citizens of Toronto.

Toronto prides itself in being the most multicultural city in the world. Black History Month provides an opportunity for the City of Toronto to recognize the significant contributions African Canadians have made and continue to make to life in Toronto in areas such as education, medicine, art, culture, sports and recreation, public service, economic development, politics and human rights. The Toronto Argonauts and the Canadian Football League were instrumental in providing a forum for Black football players to showcase their talent. In turn, this laid the foundation on which the players built their contribution to their sport and their community.

Toronto Parks and Recreation strives to provide high quality sport and recreational opportunities for all members of the community with a special emphasis on opportunities for children and youth. The Division espouses the belief that opportunity for sport will lead to opportunity in life. Michael "Pinball" Clemons, Ulysses Curtis, Chuck Ealey, Granville Liggins and R. Bruce Smith have proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this is true.

Toronto Parks and Recreation, the Toronto Argonauts, the Canadian Football League and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame have also arranged for football memorabilia to be on display at the St. Lawrence Community Centre, 230 The Esplanade for the entire month of February.

To view the poster "Contributions of African Canadians" or to order a copy, the public should check www.Toronto.ca/blackhistory or Accesstoronto@Toronto.ca or call 416-338-0338.

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Canadian Football League Stories from February 3, 2004


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