He was an outstanding young man of great character who served— and my hope is, will continue to serve—as an inspiration to the young people of this country. —John F. Kennedy on Ernie Davis In America in the late 1950s and early 60s, one young man became a symbol for a country grappling to move past its long-held views of people of color. His unprecedented journey unfolded as he shattered not only sports records, but also perceptions of what was possible for an African-American at the time. His name was Ernie Davis, but fans knew him better as The Elmira Express. This film is a tribute to his courage. Based on a true story, The Express follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (ROB BROWN of Finding Forrester, Coach Carter). His quiet fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of the game, and his civil rights story continues to inspire new generations. Born in 1939 and raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country by his grandmother and grandfather (CHARLES S. DUTTON of Secret Window, Gothika), before moving to Elmira, New York, Davis hurdled social and economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college football history. Under the guidance of legendary Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder (DENNIS QUAID of The Rookie, Any Given Sunday), he became a hero who surpassed Jim Browns achievements and became the first African-American player to be awarded the Heisman Trophy, college footballs highest individual honor. OMAR BENSON MILLER (Jack Buckley) recently appeared in Things We Lost in the Fire, co-starring Halle Berry. He was also in Curtis Hansons Lucky You, with Drew Barrymore and Eric Bana, and had the lead in the independent feature Man of God. Miller started his Hollywood acting career in Disneys cross-dressing comedy, Sorority Boys. The film was shot while he was still enrolled in film school at San Jose State University, where he was subsequently named best male actor of his graduating class. Immediately following graduation, Miller landed a highly coveted lead role opposite Eminem in Hansons hit feature 8 Mile. The ensemble cast also featured Mekhi Phifer, Kim Basinger and Brittany Murphy. Miller next appeared in HBOs Undefeated, directed by and starring John Leguizamo. He then showed a lighter side of his talent in the romantic comedy-drama Shall We Dance, starring Richard Gere and Jennifer Lopez. He also appeared in Jim Sheridans film Get Rich or Die Tryin, alongside Curtis 50 Cent Jackson and Terrence Howard. Miller recently worked with director Spike Lee on Miracle at St. Anna. He makes his directorial debut with Gordon Glass, an independent feature in which he co-stars with Evan Jones. Footage Courtesy of Universal Pictures A BlackTree Media Production Hosted by Ms. Ameerah Banks Produced by Jamaal Finkley Edited at BlackTree TV Studios Culver City CA http://www.blacktree.tv join us on our social network at http://my.blacktree.tv A BlackTree Media Production Thank you for watching! Blacktree is at all the hottest events on the planet (award shows, movie premieres and press junkets, fashion shows, etc.) and now BLACKTREE ON TV brings stars to YOU on Soul of the South! Watch Full episodes below, and tune in! WEEKDAYS | 5:30 – 6:00pm, 1-1:30am WEEKENDS | 5 – 6:00pm Sat & Sun (CST) _________________________ BlackTree Media Production Subscribe to our channel http://goo.gl/lVN14 Log onto our stream at http://goo.gl/74Ama Follow us on twitter @BlackTreeTV Click here to see more unique video at Comcast Xfinity 'Celebrate BlackTV' click here: http://xfin.tv/1sgUqKk Click here to see more unique video at Comcast Xfinity 'Celebrate BlackTV' click here: http://xfin.tv/1sgUqKk Blacktree is at all the hottest events on the planet (award shows, movie premieres and press junkets, fashion shows, etc.) and now BLACKTREE ON TV brings stars to YOU on Soul of the South! Watch Full episodes below, and tune in! WEEKDAYS | 5:30 – 6:00pm, 1-1:30am WEEKENDS | 5 – 6:00pm Sat & Sun (CST) A BlackTree Media Production Subscribe to our channel http://goo.gl/lVN14 Log onto our stream at http://goo.gl/74Ama Follow us on twitter @BlackTreeTV

• published: 10 Oct 2008
• views: 10829