Black History Month Lecture and Film Series: “The Negro Baseball Leagues - An American Legacy”

"The Negro Baseball Leagues - An American Legacy" lecture presentation by filmmaker, author and performer Byron Motley brings to life an era that was prosperous and exciting! A recent resurgence and interest in the Negro Leagues have sparked this lecture series. Audiences of all ages marvel at the information of stories of men and women who simply wanted to “Play Ball” but were ostracized simply because of the color of their skin. 

Byron discusses history and memories about the leagues. This presentation provides an insightful, amusing, moving, educational and entertaining evening. In the lecture Byron also correlates how the Negro Leagues were more than just about baseball, they were also an integral part of the modern-day Civil Rights movement of the time. Because of the innovative ideals and successes of the Negro Leagues, our lives today have been directly impacted by their existence. 

Also included in the presentation is a 10-minute work-in-progress documentary that Byron is currently producing on the history and legacy of the Negro Leagues. The video contains historic interviews with such legendary figures as Hank Aaron, Dr. Maya Angelou, Willie Mays, Walter Cronkite, President Bill Clinton, Retired Secretary of State Colin Powell and others.

Byron is the co-author of "The Negro Baseball Leagues: Tales of Umpiring Legendary Players, Breaking Barriers, and Making American History". A recent resurgence and interest in the Negro Leagues have sparked this lecture series. Audiences of all ages marvel at the information of stories of men and women who simply wanted to “Play Ball” but were ostracized simply because of the color of their skin.  (Sports Publishing, LLC). The memoir is the story of Byron’s father; Bob Motley’s journey from growing up in America’s segregated south to being one of the country’s first African American marines to his experiences in the Negro baseball. 

The goal of the documentary, book and lecture is to further educate the public about the significant contributions Negro League players and civil rights activists connected to the game made in the 20th century, and how those contributions still impact our country today.