District 1 School Board Member Dr. Steve Gallon III sponsored a field trip for District 1 high school football players to view Brian Banks, the 2019 blockbuster movie which tells the harrowing story of seventeen-year-old Brian Banks who was wrongfully convicted of rape in 2002. At the time of his conviction, Banks was, by all accounts, a rising football star destined to play in the NFL. Tragically, Banks would never realize his dream of going to college to pursue his dreams of playing professional football.

https://youtu.be/jtIPsEcuO54

The movie depicts how one decision can shatter dreams and how the criminal justice system entangles and shackles persons, often young men of color.

“In the current climate, it is even more important that our young men, especially student-athletes, be mindful of their actions both in and outside of school and how one poor decision can shatter their lives,” said Dr. Gallon. “This film and Brian Banks’ real life story is not only a reminder of the perils of what can appear to be innocent, poor decision-making by young adolescents, but also a depiction of an often dysfunctional, broken criminal justice system that too often doesn’t deliver justice…. fair and equally.”

It was quite an experience that the student-athletes, coaches, bus drivers, and district staff enjoyed. It was capped off by a standing ovation from the players who thoroughly enjoyed the film and expressed their appreciation for the experience. The students will continue to engage in activities and discussions regarding values to help them develop sound decision-making skills that will serve them in school and throughout their lives.