ASALH(Athens, GA) James “Jim” Hurley, the University of Georgia’s first African American football player, will receive this year’s “Uncommon Valor Award,” presented annually by the Athens branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). The award presentation will take place during ASALH’s Founder’s Day celebration at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at First AME Church (521 North Hull Street) in Athens. In 1967, amidst racial hostility and entrenched Jim Crow attitudes, heightened by the Civil Rights movement, Hurley, an Atlanta native and Harper High School graduate, walked onto the University of Georgia’s freshman football team. While at UGA, Hurley received the Bill Munday Award for having the highest academic average on the freshman team.
He started as a defensive end, becoming the first Black player ever on the university’s fall football roster. At the time, the university only recruited and offered athletic scholarships to white players. Hurley preceded the first history making Black scholarship football players—Richard Appleby, Chuck Kinnebrew, Horace King, Clarence Pope, and Larry West—who were signed at UGA in 1971.Hurley’s achievement occurred during turbulent times in the South. Discrimination and racial violence were commonplace. In 1966, Ken Dious of Athens received death threats from the Ku Klux Klan when he attempted to join UGA’s football team as a walk-on. Although he completed spring tryouts, Dious did not pursue football in the fall. In 1967, at another Southeastern Conference university, a pioneering Black football player tragically died from injuries sustained during practice. Hurley spent two seasons at UGA. During his sophomore year, he was added to the varsity squad but was redshirted and told he would not see any playing time. Afterwards , he accepted a scholarship offer to Vanderbilt University, where he later lettered in football. Hurley, who resides in Nashville, reflects warmly on his time in Athens and at the University of Georgia, despite the societal challenges of that era. He recalls the support from his coaches and how several students made extra efforts to make him feel welcome.Even after transferring to Vanderbilt, Hurley received a thoughtful letter in 1970 from the late Coach Vince Dooley, which underscored the lasting relationships he built at Georgia. In the letter, Coach Dooley wrote, “Though we hated to see you go to Vanderbilt, I want you to know that all of us here have a tremendous amount of respect for you.” This message is a testament to the high regard in which Hurley was held during his time at UGA.The “Uncommon Valor Award” recognizes not only Hurley’s historical impact on UGA football but his resilience and positive outlook in the face of hostility. Founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) is dedicated to promoting the study and appreciation of African-American history and culture. Since 1916, the organization has published The Journal of African American History to encourage scholarly work and discussions around African-American life.
To become a supporting member of ASALH, visit asalh.org.For more information, reach out to the Athens-ASALH chapter at athensasalh@gmail.com.
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