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Friday, March 29
The Indiana Daily Student

Q&A with George Taliaferro

Taliaferro

The spotlight was on George Taliaferro, now 83, during the 1945, ’47 and ’48 football games. He was a running back, quarterback, kicker and defensive back for the IU football team. He led IU to its first Big Ten championship in 1945 and earned All-American honors from 1945 to ’47. In 1948, Taliaferro became the first African-American chosen in the National Football League draft. Taliaferro explains what IU Homecoming was like in
the ’40s.

IDS Did you get involved with Homecoming?
Taliaferro I just played on the field. The African-American students could not be involved with regular Homecoming activities. We couldn’t go to any of the festivities at the fraternities and sororities or do anything affiliated with
 the University.

IDS
Did that put a damper on your Homecoming?
Taliaferro Those were the tenor of the times. I didn’t let the discrimination diminish the fun I could still have at Homecoming even though I could not participate as fully as the other team members.

IDS What activities did you participate in during Homecoming?
Taliaferro If we did win, we celebrated. If we lost, we celebrated.

IDS What is your favorite part about Homecoming?
Taliaferro I enjoy being with my family and friends. Football is still football. It is a favorite occasion because I get to meet and greet. It is a chance to reacquaint with old friends. I get to show my past teammates and friends around Bloomington and show them the changes that have taken place. We laugh at the venues that we were not permitted to visit or enjoy.

IDS Do you miss playing football?
Taliaferro No. That’s mayhem. I’m not structured for that kind of enjoyment, though I used to think that was the only thing in the universe. But I am no longer that person.

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