The “KingFish”

On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Rams held a private screening of the film “KingFish,” which tells the story of Kenny Washington, the first Black football player to reintegrate into the National Football League (NFL). The screening was held at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood and was attended by front-office personnel, community members and celebrities.

The film, directed by the BLK Originals’ Sam Hoggs, stars Inglewood native and rapper D Smoke. It takes viewers on a journey through Washington’s life, from his childhood in L.A. to his time playing football at UCLA, and then his signing that shattered the color-barrier with the Rams in 1946.

It’s a powerful and moving story that highlights the triumphs and struggles of a man who helped break down barriers in professional sports.

For the Rams, the screening of “KingFish” was an opportunity to honor Washington’s legacy and reflect on the team’s history. Every Black football player since Fritz Pollard, until Washington, was denied the opportunity to play in the NFL because of the color of their skin. The Rams were the first NFL team to reintegrate their roster by signing Washington and Woody Strode in 1946 after a gentleman’s agreement by NFL owners to exclude signing Black football players. It was a bold move that helped pave the way for other teams to do the same; a step in breaking down racial barriers in professional sports.

“Kenny did something special when he stepped out of his comfort zone, and he was the first,” D Smoke said. “Anytime somebody is brave enough to be the first, that’s giving other people permission and license to just go out there and do something uncharted.”

The screening is a testament to how far we have to go as a society. Even today, there are still challenges and obstacles that Black athletes face, from unequal access to resources to discrimination and racism.

That’s why it’s so important for teams like the Rams to acknowledge and celebrate their history and use their platform to effect change. The Rams have been active in the community, supporting programs and initiatives that help to promote social justice and equality. The screening of “KingFish” is just another example of their commitment to championing social justice.

For the attendees, the screening was a chance to learn more about the history of the game they love and to connect with the legacy of those who came before them. It was also a reminder of current NFL players’ responsibility to use their own platform to effect change and help create a more just and equitable society — like Colin Kaepernick.

“You have to know where you come from to know where you’re going. That’s what this movie did,” Johnathan Franklin, Rams community affairs and engagement manager, said. “It reminded us of our history and what we stand for. And it motivates us to do better, to be better, to use our voices and our platforms to make a difference.”

In many ways, “KingFish” is more than just a movie. It’s an ode to the salience of diversity, equality and social justice. It’s a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that remains. It is a charge for all of us to use our platforms to effect change and positively impact the world.

The Los Angeles Rams may have been the first NFL team to reintegrate their roster, but they know the work is far from over. By screening “KingFish,” they have shown their commitment to using their platform to make a difference, to honor the legacy of those who came before them, and to inspire the next generation of football players and fans to work toward a more just and equitable future.