The Sarnia Library Theatre is hosting a special screening of a documentary profiling black American football players that came to Canada to play in the CFL beginning in the 1940's.
Gridiron Underground highlights players like Syracuse quarterback Bernie Custis who had his invite to the US college all-star game rescinded because organizers found out he was black.
He became the first black professional QB in North American history after signing on with Hamilton.
Writer and Director James Wallen said Canada was far more tolerant than the U.S. at that time.
"Of course there's always going to be a fear of strangers, a certain xenophobia or something about them," said Wallen. "But, they were never greeted with the same kind of hatred that they faced in the states, especially those players from the south. It was a welcome change. Once they were in the community, they became great community members and were broadly accepted."
Wallen said another example is Warren Moon who went unpicked in the NFL draft, and became the only player to be inducted into the U.S. and Canadian hall of fames.
The movie is being shown at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at Blackwater Cafe, the Book Keeper or at the door.
Gridiron Underground is also a book, and DVDs of the film are being sold at the event.
