…. …. that Ernie Davis, halfback for Syracuse University, was the first African-American to be awarded the coveted Heisman Memorial Trophy in 1961. Davis, who wore the legendary #44 for Syracuse University, was born near Pittsburgh, PA and moved to Elmira, NY. Nicknamed the “Elmira Express”, Davis also was the first African-American member of Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity, a nationally recognized Jewish fraternity. In 1962, he was the #1 NFL draft choice, picked up by the Washington Redskins and traded to the Cleveland Browns. Never having the opportunity to play professionally, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia in 1962 and passed away at age 23 in 1963. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, the same cemetery that Mark Twain is buried.

Attached, please find this week’s edition of the Friday Facts. For details on any of these events or others down the road, take a gander at our website at www.VisitSyracuse.org.

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Linda Woodrow
Executive Assistant & Marketing Coordinator
Syracuse Convention & Visitors Bureau
CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity
572 South Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202
Phone: 315-470-1913 | Fax: 315-471-8545
LWoodrow@VisitSyracuse.org
www.VisitSyracuse.org

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/SyracuseNY
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/SyracuseNY

Starts: 10/16/2010 Ends: 10/16/2010
Event: Syracuse University Football vs. Pittsburgh
Location: Carrier Dome, 900 Irving Ave., Syracuse
For More Info: 888-366-3849

Onondaga Historical Association Museum & Research Center

321 Montgomery St.,  Syracuse, NY. 13202
Phone 315-428-1864, Fax: 315-471-2133

“The Express” movie premiere
Friday, September 12, 2008
7:30 PM

Syracuse University and Universal Pictures have announced the movie premiere of “The Express,” a film that chronicles the life and legacy of Ernie Davis, the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. Starring Rob Brown and Dennis Quaid, the premiere will take place at the Landmark Theatre, a grand movie palace frequented by Davis and his teammates during their days at SU. Quaid, Brown and other cast members and celebrities will arrive at a special “orange carpet” entry in classic convertible automobiles. Tickets to the premiere and gala after-party at the War Memorial cost $1,000.00. Visit http://erniedavis.syr.edu

Based on a true story, “The Express” follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. His fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of American sports, and his story continued to inspire new generations.
Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country, Davis hurdled social and economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college football history. Under the guidance of legendary Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), he became a hero who superseded Jim Brown’s achievements and records that stand to this day.

Decorated veteran Schwartzwalder was a Southerner with a single vision of a national championship and hardened ideas about how the world worked. But though he and Davis had their differences, Schwartzwalder taught his star player everything he knew about football, just as Davis helped him learn the true meaning of victory.

As the growing civil rights movement divided the country in the ‘60’s, Davis became a symbol for achievement that transcended race. Refusing to flinch from others’ prejudices, he achieved all his goals – until he faced a challenge that would make most men crumble. He joined the ranks of black pioneers by teaching a generation tolerance, inspiring a movement that smashed barriers on and off the field.