1891 Amherst football with black pioneer William Henry Lewis

      In 1891 William Henry Lewis became the first African American to captain a white college team in any sport.  Behind him in the image was his good friend William Tecumseh Sherman Jackson who was another pioneer in the sport.  Both Lewis and Jackson were from Virginia and crossed paths at the Virginia Normal Collegiate Institute.  In 1888 they enrolled at Amherst College.  It is believed that Jackson talked Lewis into trying out for the Freshman football team that year.  Jackson had previously competed in football, baseball, and track but Lewis had no prior athletic experience.  Lewis admitted that he tried out in “long pants, opting shirt, and oxfords.”

     Jackson would go on to play halfback due to his speed and athleticism.  Lewis learned fast and established himself as a center due to his size and strength.  After Lewis left Amherst both Yale and Harvard were vying for his enrollment in Law School because of his football talents.  He may have chosen Harvard because they were more accommodating to blacks and also was closer to his girlfriend and future wife.

    He continued to excel at football at Harvard and ended up becoming the first African American to receive All American recognition.  After graduation he continued to stay relevant in football coaching Harvard and writing books.  He also had a successful political career becoming the first African American Assistant Attorney General.