Woody Strode to be Inducted Into The California Hall of Fame

Assemblymember Cheryl R. Brown (D-San Bernardino), in collaboration with the California Legislative Black Caucus, the California Optometric Association (COA) and UCLA, have started a campaign to induct legendary actor and football star Woody Strode into the California Hall of Fame. Last week, Assemblymember Brown appeared on the television program Sacramento and Company to promote Mr. Strode’s candidacy. “I would like to thank the Black Caucus, COA and the UCLA for their partnership in this endeavor,” Brown said. “Woody Strode was an extraordinary Californian who pioneered a path for African Americans to participate in the NFL and Hollywood. It is appropriate for him to be inducted into the California Hall of Fame.” Strode was born in Los Angeles in 1914, and helped integrate college football on the West Coast along with teammates Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington. Following his college career, he served in the Pacific Theater during WWII. After returning to California, he and Kenny Washington integrated the modern NFL by playing for the Los Angeles Rams. After retiring from football, he acted for fifty years appearing in over 90 films. He co-starred opposite legendary actors such as Kirk Douglas, John Wayne, Jimmy Stewart, and Clint Eastwood.