Written by George Mason student-athlete Peyton Ehmke

The Loyola Project is a captivating documentary centered on the 1963 Loyola University Ramblers basketball team. The story follows their star player of the Ramblers, Jerry Harkness, and his teammates as they dealt with the pressures of competing for a national title while also facing ongoing racism and discrimination. This documentary highlights Loyola's victorious 1963 NCAA national title, but more importantly the enduring and passionate story of courage in the face of racial injustice.  

George Mason University held a screening of the documentary The Loyola Project that was followed by a Q&A with a panel of speakers to reflect on the impact of Harkness's and his teammate's experiences. In addition, the documentary emphasizes the challenges of the era, the impact on the 1963 Loyola team, the lasting impressions on so many, and what we can do moving forward to fix systemic racism. The panel consisted of Nona Martin Storr, Tamara Washington, and Malcolm Grace.  Ms. Storr, Adjunct History Instructor at George Mason, is a graduate of Loyola, who wrote her thesis on the 1963 team and how they changed the collegiate basketball landscape. Ms. Washington is the Associate Director for Student Engagement for Racial Justice in Mason's Center for Culture, Equity, and Empowerment, and lastly, Mr. Malcolm Grace is the Deputy Athletic Director for Compliance and NCAA Governance at George Mason University.

The Loyola Project captured the players' feelings and fears, especially when traveling to the south to play. Les Hunter, a member of the "Iron Five", which was a nickname for the starting five, said there were days when the black men on the team feared for their lives because of the way outsiders viewed them. The athletes were stereotyped because of their race. The fans who would turn out for games would use racial slurs and foul language to taunt the players of color, dehumanizing them. Sadly, these athletes did not have a choice in playing in these harsh situations. While there were times they felt like their coach, George Ireland, cared about them, the film also presents evidence that Ireland was only looking out for himself.

During the panel, Ms. Storr and Ms. Washington spoke on the importance of activism and standing up for what is right. They reflected on the courage of each of the players, saying that, "being in that space was an act of activism, whether they liked it or not". The unknown still stands as to whether things could have been different had these black men been given a choice. Tamara's words were captivating as she reflected on her own background as a black woman and what she has studied has been a course of exploration for her. Professor Storr urges others to "keep telling the story" as this project is not yet over. Mr. Grace placed emphasis on the importance of sports in our society, stating "we are still fighting this battle today, sports can change society so much, but it is a slow progression".

The Loyola project depicts how courageous these young black men had to be in the face of racial injustice. Those men should never have endured such degradation. This documentary reminds us that this battle is not yet over and how the human spirit can thrive under such adversity. The Ramblers changed the game of college basketball on their quest for the NCAA title. Let their courage be an inspiration to continue to fight for what is right. Let their story eliminate future transgressions. Nona said, "Jerry Harkness changed my life, he was a phenomenal, wonderful, and kind-hearted man." Jerry Harkness, the Iron Five, and the 1963 Loyola Ramblers men's basketball team have and will continue to pave the way for collegiate basketball and athletics in this country. The Loyola Project is incredibly special and memorable.