The National Football League consulted with Goldwater Ventures on NFL 360 episode about Icon Jim Brown and his Gullah/Geechee Roots.
Al Pereira//Getty Images featured at https://www.esquire.com/sports/interviews/a5472/jim-brown-quotes-0109/
Atlanta, GA, February 6, 2024 – Goldwater Ventures, a consulting firm that empowers mission-driven organizations and social entrepreneurs, collaborated with the National Football League (NFL) and the Gullah/Geechee Nation. Together, they culminated in the NFL 360 episode "Chief Who Walked the Sea (Igbo Landing)," which premiered on the NFL's primetime channel on Tuesday, February 6.
Jim Brown: Iconic Athlete and Social Activist
The film focuses on the life and legacy of Jim Brown, a name synonymous with football excellence and social activism. Brown, born on February 17, 1936, on St. Simons Island, Georgia, was a fullback for the Cleveland Browns. From 1957 to 1965, his nine-season career was marked by record-breaking achievements, including leading the league in rushing yards in eight of his nine seasons and becoming the first player in NFL history to surpass 100 rushing touchdowns. Brown's remarkable performance on the field established him as one of the greatest players in NFL history.
Brown's impact extends beyond the football field. He focused on advocating for African American rights and economic empowerment. Brown founded the Amer-I-Can program, aimed at helping young people caught in the cycle of violence and gang involvement by providing life management skills. His activism extended to working with gang members in Los Angeles and other cities to reduce violence. His commitment to social issues, community development, and economic empowerment solidified him as an American icon within and beyond professional sports.
The Making of "Chief Who Walked the Sea (Igbo Landing)"
Goldwater Ventures brings its expertise in media and entertainment to this project, focusing on creating narratives that resonate with and authentically represent African heritage. Their approach combats stereotypical representation, ensures historical accuracy, and promotes cultural sensitivity, particularly within the African Diaspora. This includes attention to language nuances and incorporating diverse perspectives.
The episode narrates the story of Jim Brown, emphasizing his Gullah/Geechee roots. This choice of focus aligns perfectly with Goldwater Ventures' mission to authentically showcase the cultural essence of their projects. The episode features a poem presented by Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/Geechee Nation, alongside prominent community leaders. Goldwater Ventures' President, A. Prince Albert III, also appears as an extra in the episode.
Albert shared his excitement about the project, stating, "I am thrilled to have participated in NFL360’s episode about Jim Brown and the legacy of our ancestors, the flying Africans at Igbo Landing.' Jim Brown’s sportsmanship and leadership on the field, his cinematic artistry off the field, and his social activism beyond the field trailblazed Goldwater’s multi-faceted approach to leadership, artistry, and social change.”
The Vision of Osahon Tongo
The project is directed and produced by Nigerian-American filmmaker Osahon Tongo. Tongo, a former Georgia Tech football player and a USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate, brings noteworthy experience from award-winning sports documentaries, virtual reality productions, and other creative projects that highlight Black history. President A. Prince Albert admired Osahon and his team: “It was a great honor working with Executive producer and filmmaker Brudda Osahon Tongo and his team. I learned so much from them, and I can’t wait to make another film with them.”
Premiere and Availability
"Chief Who Walked the Sea (Igbo Landing)" premiered on the NFL Network on February 6 at 8:00 PM Eastern. It will be featured on NFL.com and the NFL's YouTube channel soon after airing.
This collaboration between Goldwater Ventures and the NFL represents a convergence of sports, culture, and history, promising to deliver a film that entertains, educates, and inspires. It's a fitting tribute to Jim Brown's multifaceted legacy and a testament to the power of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage.
Citation
Goldwater Ventures,Goldwater Ventures and NFL Collaborate to Bring Jim Brown's Legacy to the Screen (Feb. 12, 2024), https://www.goldwaterventures.info/post/nfl-taps-goldwater-ventures-to-bring-jim-brown-s-legacy-to-prime-time.
References
Gullah/Geechee Nation, NFL features de Gullah/Geechee on “The Chief Who Walked the Sea” (Feb. 6, 2024), https://gullahgeecheenation.com/2024/02/06/nfl-features-de-gullah-geechee-on-the-chief-who-walked-the-sea/.
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