Bernie Custis, all class, now has a Hamilton school named after him
Board OKs name after contentious debate
The Hamilton public school board voted to name the new high school being built right across from Tim Hortons Field after the man some call football's Jackie Robinson. Not only was Custis the first black quarterback in pro football with the Ticats, a Grey Cup champion, a Canadian Football Hall of Famer, McMaster Hall of Famer and a Hamilton Sports Hall of Famer, but he was also a winning coach and an educator for over 30 years.
As a young man he came to this city, let it love him and then stuck around to the end of his days loving it back. This moment was a celebratory exclamation point on that beautiful relationship.
Imagine that – a school board voting in line with its students and tax payers.
I’m surprised and delighted. And, I think Scott Radley’s writing, on the decision, is outstanding.
“Next September when TSN’s cameras beam the Labour Day game across the country, they should be able to catch a beautiful shot of BERNIE CUSTIS SECONDARY in the background.”
Thanks for the link, Grover. I didn’t see that Simmons’ column last year. It should be enlarged, printed, framed, and hung, prominently, inside the front door of BCSH.
I guess we get some things right up here in Canada . Bernie Custis was an exceptional person who clearly deserves this honour . It took a while for the school board to get it right but they did.
Meanwhile in Texas, a school superintendent on social media stated that Deshaun Watson, QB for the Texans lost a recent game because Black quarterbacks, historically, are not capable as leaders.
2 school systems and two totally different cultures produce 2 different outcomes. We Canadians aren’t perfect when it comes to many race issues but Damn ! Hamilton got this one right !
I congratulate the School Board for their right decision that took almost a year to come to fruition,
BUT!!!
It gives me pause to wonder ??? exactly what these super educated people are actually thinking
that are in charge of the education of our youth,
I’m not sure if common sense is part of their curriculum. :o
Pretty simple actually.
Decision makers didnt know who Custis was.
Vast majority in Canada dont, even sports fans.
Didnt see the value in naming a school after a football player.
They were then informed Custis’s impact was beyond football.
Burocracy takes time, infighting, agendas etc.
Finally a decision.
