THE BRIGHT PATH: The Johnny Bright Story

Program Rights Date Range

Sat, 08/05/2023 - 12:00 - Tue, 08/04/2026 - 12:00

NOLA Code:

BPJB 0000 H1

Number of Episodes/Length:

1 / 60

Genre:

Documentary

Collections:

African American, America 250, We The People, Media Manager, Midwest Region, Black History Month

Rights End:

8/4/2026

Producer

Studio Auteur

Presenter

Iowa PBS

TV-G

CC

Interconnection

5.1

Year Produced:

2022

Version:

Base

THE BRIGHT PATH: The Johnny Bright Story chronicles the life and career of African American Drake University football player Johnny Bright who, as a walk on at Drake University in 1949, smashed college football records during his sophomore and junior years. In 1951, his college career abruptly ended from an act of violence during his senior year. Bright's story is one of resilience. The documentary explores how he overcame racial obstacles to carve out his own path in life to become a Hall of Fame athlete and award-winning educator.