The Express (and Racism)

Ernie Davis, “The Express,” was the first African-American to win the Heisman trophy in collegiate football in 1961. My wife and I saw the movie about his life recently and thoroughly enjoyed it (except for the swearing, of course!).
In the beginning of “The Express,” movie, there is an excellent scene in which Ernie’s grandfather was teaching him how to read without stuttering. He was reading a passage of Scripture in 1 Corinthians. As Ernie read it slowly, his grandfather quoted it, But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10, kjv). It was powerful! This moving scene was worth the whole movie!

Another important issue in the film was the matter of racism and prejudice. Later Margaret, Dad, and I discussed as to why there has always been such racism. It seems that the sin of slavery (kidnapping) continued in the white population revealed the sinful heart by prejudice. Have you ever wondered why there is prejudice in the world? Why do all people seem to be racist in some form or another? Dad said that sin has to be confessed, to put out on the table, and call it what it is, sin. He then stated, “This is wrong. Racism, discrimination, and prejudice are wrong. They are a sin against God!”