Dear Editor (and residents of Yazoo City):
I am a retiring public school teacher and a freelance writer, embarking on an ambitious project. About a year ago, I decided to start work on a biography for Yazoo City native son (and NFL Hall of Famer) Willie Brown. I began doing some reading on some of the classic Oakland Raiders teams of the 70’s, but then – Willie suddenly passed away during the course of the last NFL season.
Willie grew up in a time when this country was struggling with civil unrest and limited opportunities for African-Americans, including on the athletic fields. In my biography, I hope to capture glimpses of Willie Brown the person, in addition to Willie Brown, the athlete, and Willie Brown, the Raider. My hope is that, in sharing these stories and the portrait of a man who many people loved but many more simply didn’t know, this can help transform the sports landscape, and better the way we look at – and treat – others.
If you knew Willie and/or if you have a “Willie story”, I would love to talk to you. This project is in honor of the people of Yazoo City as much as it is to the life and legend of a Hall of Fame athlete. I look forward to putting all this together and sharing it with you – the good people of Yazoo City – and with the world.
Sincerely,
F. Thomas Jones
703-282-9638 (cell / text)
E-Mail: fjtbone@gmail.com
