Marathon of CHANGE

Tonight's marathon is a representation of the unity that black and whites experienced in the field of sports, and also outside the field. This is a night that glorifies what's best in the human spirit, while also reflecting on a time period in history where America as a country was growing into what it is today. We follow the intense struggles of baseball player Jackie Robinson, a towns resentment and ultimate acceptance of a football team and it's African American coach, a homeless boy being raised and bred into a football star with the caring and nurture of his family, and the story of several maids struggles in their owners homes in the fight for civil rights.

42: The Jackie Robinson Story 2013, Remember the Titans 2000, The Blind Side 2010, and The Help 2011

Themes that describes tonight's marathon are change, unity between two groups of people, self discovery, strength, courage, fighting for what's right, equality, rising above all expectations, and remembering what's best in the human spirit. This trend starts with 42 with the story of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier and being the first African American player to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers after being recruited by his righteous colorblind manager played by Harrison Ford. This is easily Harrison Ford's best performance in a long time and ranks up there with his great work in The Fugitive, Air Force One, Witness, and Mosquito Coast.  He plays the role of a coach who see's potential in the young Jackie Robinson, and casts him on the team disregarding the heavy amount of opposition Robinson received. The coach Herman Boone, played by Denzel Washington in Remember the Titans is about bringing together a racially integrated high school football team despite heavy opposition from the towns people. This is one of Denzel Washington's most heartfelt movies next to Cry Freedom, Philadelphia, Antwone Fisher, and John Q. While still maintaining the theme of sports, The Blind Side continues the trend of football but focuses on the triumphant true story of Michael Oher, a homeless and traumatized boy who became an all American football player and first round NFL draft pick with the help of a caring woman and her loving family. This is the film that gained Sandra Bullock her first Oscar nom and win. Her performance is touching and very inspirational, reminding audiences about why she's a great actress in the first place. The final film of the evening The Help, is not a baseball nor football themed film, but it carries with it the same type of message the first three movies conveyed about hope and change, while giving the marathon the emotional finale it deserves. The Help sheds the sports angle and focuses on an inspiring author during the civil rights movement in the 1960s, deciding to write a book detailing the African American maid's point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they endure on a daily basis. The Help was nominated for an Oscar for best picture in 2011 but lost to The Artist, but walked away with an Oscar for Octavia Spencer for best supporting actress.

Tonight is about witnessing the inspirational stories that led to change, while also making America a better and more tolerant place in the realm of civil rights.