Watch Quiet Courage

Quiet Courage is a 2015 film directed by David Hill and starring James Owens, Terry Henley, Gloria Owens, and David Housel. The movie takes place during a time of racial tension in Alabama’s Auburn University in the 1960s. James Owens plays himself in the film, portraying his personal struggle against racism and his will to break down boundaries for other black athletes that would come after him.

In the film, James Owens is the first African American football player to ever receive a scholarship from Auburn University. Despite his skill and talent, he was initially overlooked for the opportunity and had to prove himself on the field. Throughout the movie, we witness Owens confronting racism from both his white teammates and the community at large. However, with his family, his friends, and determined coaches by his side, Owens eventually makes it onto the team and is determined to prove everyone wrong.

The movie highlights the challenges faced by Owens during his time in Auburn, including the indignities heaped upon him daily, how he stoically handled racism, his patience, and perseverance, and most importantly, why his breakthrough in sports was a significant moment in the history of the civil rights movement.

The movie does an excellent job of showcasing how James’ courage was nothing short of jaw-dropping. There are some scenes in the movie that are truly shocking, as we witness the deeply ingrained racism within Auburn’s student body and community as a whole. At the same time, we see how Owens stays strong and works through each challenge he’s presented with, both on and off the field.

The film also depicts how James Owens helped shape the future of Auburn football by opening the door for other black athletes. In fact, Owens is known for paving the way for many other African-American athletes who would follow in his footsteps at Auburn.

The real-life James Owens’ story is one of hope and perseverance, and the film does an excellent job of showcasing this through the character’s experiences. Owens’ story is also a beacon of light for black athletes everywhere, as it highlights how determination, strength, hard work, and a willingness to stand up for what’s right can lead to success.

The film neatly encapsulates the strength and humanity of Owens, and his family, as they stoically navigated through a time when racism was the norm. The film is incredibly well-crafted, and the acting is superb. Owens delivers a brilliant portrayal of himself, and Henley and Housel portray their fictional characters with tremendous skill and nuance.

Overall, Quiet Courage is a powerful and emotional film that tells an important and inspiring story. The movie speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and shows how even in the darkest of times, strength, hope, and courage can prevail. It’s impossible to not be moved by the heroism of James Owens, and the film is a testament to the power of human determination in the face of adversity.