MEET THE SUPERSTARS. The high school football players went undefeated. [24] There has been a significant move towards regeneration with the re-opening of the Pahokee Marina Tiki Bar and Restaurant now known as 'Pahokee Mo's' and new Dollar General store. The Shepherd's School, 1800 Bacom Point Road, a Christian school (grades K12). Theyre doing incredible work in their communities because they are the ones holding them together. When we talk about these small rural towns, its almost always in a deficit, a context of what they dont have. (Winter Garden, FL), Pleasant Grove Eagles Planning, Zoning Commission considers Avimor annexation proposal, Patchy AM fog, then increasing clouds with l Like these guys went through the season and they actually ended up winning the game," Suchak said. We had all these things they dont even have anymore. Part of what Ira and I are trying to do is use my resources through Youth FX, to bring training to young people to be able to tell their own stories without folks like us coming down there. Our documentary tells the story of Pahokee, FL. "Pahokee is remote. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. [12] Hurricane Wilma, in 2005, destroyed a newly built marina. And through it all, the three players have worked toward an eventual common goal a scholarship to the University of Michigan. At an early age, future Pro Football Hall of Famer RICKEY JACKSON recognized he needed to chart a path away from the predominant occupations in Pahokee, Florida: chopping cane, picking corn in the fields or working in the produce packing plant. People are drawn to them because they care really deeply about each other, the town, and the history because theyve been there for seven generations. Pahokee, one of Palm Beach County's most storied football programs, will be forced to vacate its Class 1A state championship due to the use of an ineligible player . [25] This is in addition to $200,000 pledged by Senator Abruzzo in 2014. The book had my cousin in it. They completely disagreed it was almost like they got set up," Suchak said. Whites not of Hispanic origin made up 13.6% of the populace. Be more independent. Nineteen-year-old Thomas Murvin, of Pahokee, and 27-year-old Larry Dunnon, of Belle Glade, appeared in court in West Palm Beach on Tuesday. Pahokee 46 Glades Central 14 Final You wonder why they want to kill the education. Pahokee MiddleHigh School, 900 Larrimore Rd. They were talking all this mess of how theyre going to beat Pahokee [Laughs]. The district said this is the first time a Pahokee high school football player has had Ivy League offers. They had a crack epidemic. You couldnt do anything. The biggest misconception in a place like that is, Well, they dont have anything, and theyre poor. But you dont think about what theyre rich in. We didnt have anybody. Bhawin, you spent so much time meeting the people of Pahokee. Ira McKinley: The book Muck City. I think what happens is when you have a lack of resources, and the structures of the county government and the state government have basically left you without resources, you learn how to build them yourselves. Filmmakers have once again ventured to The Glades. You find out where those roosters and chickens are laying and get their eggs. In the city, 38.4% of the population were under the age of 18, 10.3% were aged 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 18.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.2% were 65 years of age or older. The directors said they saw a chance to give pure memories back to a program and community built on overcoming struggle. The result is an 80-minute documentary, Outta the Muck, that is making rounds on the independent film circuit and is airing on local PBS stations during Black History Month. RavensPatriots (1982) . This helps the offenders better integrate into society and not be a burden or commit further crimes in order to survive after serving their time mandated by the state and being released with little or no assistance from the Department of Corrections. Bhawin Suchak: I think the process of making a documentary feature is a long one that includes a lot of development and research work before you actually start producing. Johnson's death was the second homicide this year involving a former Pahokee athlete. The 63-bed general hospital, financially nonviable, closed in 1998 after years of contention, a change from public to private ownership, and three lawsuits. Horror movies have been known to present the very worst in humanity, but there are certain characters in the genre who audiences love to hate. I can't think of anything better that has ever happened to this town.". He doesnt go out. The muck has always been about survival. Ira: When I first came down there before Bhawin did, I had a chance to tour it and reconnect because I hadnt been there for 35 years. Today is National Signing Day. I don't know nothing about football, but I know who had the biggest pile of rabbits, and that means something.". [41], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 19:57, part of it was drained in the early 20th century, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Julia Tuttle Causeway sex offender colony, San Francisco International Film Festival, U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Pahokee, Florida, "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Pahokee city, Florida", "What's in a name? [My movie], The Throwaways, its police brutality and mass incarceration, so the things that we were working on were about social justice. Today is National Signing Day. In 2008, when he was 16-years-old, Felton Jr. was charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery in the death of Pahokee football player Norman "Pooh" Griffith. Suchak: I think there are so many different messages, but I think one that I really hope people see is that these small rural communities have really been one of the threads of the tapestry of this country. Others want to try to play football. It so happens that McKinley is also a member of the Deans' extended family. Football is big. They were selling drugs. "[13], In 1963, with access to Cuban sugar restricted, a sugar plant was built, and agriculture shifted to the mechanized crop of sugar cane. 97% are from low-income families. Craig is the digital content producer for Independent Lens, based in San Francisco. The stories of Black communities and the historical context they have come up through and how history has impacted the present times, I think, are really woven into this in a beautiful way. They canceled everything after talking all this mess on social media. Thats South Florida, bro. This was in September in Florida. If it wasnt for Pahokee, there wouldnt be no me. View Pahokee Blue Devils team profile: View the Blue Devils schedule, coaches, team players, school history, stadium, school info, maps, photos, and recruiting. All we want to do is come down there, give these people some cameras, donate to a nonprofit. G.A.P Christian Academy, 183 S Lake Ave. (K12 Education), "James Patterson headed west to ask 'What the hell happened here?' Pahokee football player heading to Georgetown University. Smith is one of three Pahokee players on the Demon Deacons' roster, including D.J. Saints49ers (1981-1995) NFL Hall of Fame 2010. As more students yelled from all directions, the coach slowed down, hooked his left arm around the shoulder of the youngster who scurried alongside, and made sure he would play football again next year. When wed be filming, things would come back to me with dj vu about a place. [14], On November 15, 1996, the old Pahokee High School building, built in 1928, was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The shooting occurred about a mile and a half southwest of Pahokee High School, where earlier that night the school's football team had defeated Glades Central in an annual rivalry commonly referred to as the Muck Bowl. These are the barriers weve got to break down. Theres people that have other talents, but the focus is on the football. is about his family in Pahokee and Black achievement in an area beset by hurricane disasters, poverty, and personal trauma. Even if some of them are the protagonists, these characters are so insufferable that they made audiences want to see them bite the dust. Thompson enrolled at Pahokee four decades ago when he left his family of migrant laborers to concentrate on getting a college scholarship, and returned as coach six years ago. Governor Rick Scott also pledged $1.3 million towards the restoration of Pahokee's infrastructure in late 2014. Dan Calloway, a South Florida Youth Sports organizer, who trained hundreds of players in Belle Glade, Pahokee and . 2005-2023 CBS INTERACTIVE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. When youre doing research like I was doing and working on the first film, secondary things were popping up, and articles were being written. And many return, like the NFL stars who founded Muck Tavern, or those who visit when its comes time for the nationally known high school Muck Bowl played against rivals from Belle Glade. And obviously, with the documentary, nothings scripted, right? Take class of 2019 Pahokee (Fla.) High running back Ja'Tarie Washington. They need better resources. I wanted to make sure I had peoples trust and a level of understanding of what we were trying to do. But Blountstown prevailed 12-0, and the citizens of tiny Pahokee (population, according to Thompson, "barely 5,000, counting the babies") yearned ever since for another chance. Ira: We are trying to do a workshop right now for youth media [in Pahokee], and the pushback we get on trying to do it is crazy. high school football has become more than a game - it's a way . McKinley and Suchak hoped to give back in others ways as well. The powerful thing about the film is the last moment, where Alvin ties in the history of native people and the runaway slaves and ties it into what Pahokee is today. "No sir, I feel like my mom did the best of her ability to prepare me for the world," he said. So they chase rabbits. Football is big. The racial makeup of the student body is 69% black, 29% Hispanic, 2% white. Dissolution of the city has been proposed. Top Players in the NFL; Anquan Boldin Pahokee (FL) Pahokee 6-2 / 205 / PRO . A football player is comforted by his girlfriend after the Raiders lose a crucial game that puts the 2012 state title out of reach. EMAIL. Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. PAHOKEE, Fla. . PAHOKEE -- As he began his first day back at school Monday morning as coach of a state-championship football team, Don Thompson quickly exited an administration-building door at Pahokee Junior-Senior High School and tried desperately to get to his third-period gym class. Once I got down there, I started to build that relationship with the family and get a sense of what the community stories were and some of the history. Digital Trends: This entire process has been a seven-year-long journey. They talk about suffering, and this is back in the 70s when he [Reynolds] did White Lightning, Gator, and The Longest Yard. Youll see people sharing their catch, or sharing the rabbits and the fruits and vegetables. Thats Bridget. Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. There have been many characters who act purely out of self-interest with a callous disregard for those around them. Help bring programs like Independent Lens to your PBS station. Miracle Village, founded by a minister, offers a small residential community for registered sex offenders, who sometimes have great difficulty in finding housing, or are homeless (see Julia Tuttle Causeway sex offender colony), because of Florida's strict regulations limiting where sex offenders can live. The population density was 1,109.4 inhabitants per square mile (428.3/km2). They went to Miami University to train with the AC and all this other stuff. Another classic Pahokee tale is how the young boys develop their quickness by chasing rabbits as they flee burning cane fields. All the kids are doing is trying to help the family eat. But we had a season [where] we went in before we even got really big funding. Pahokee football player heading to Georgetown University. Everybody is proud and will stay proud. Rabbit hunting as running training for would-be football players. [26], A short by Aaron Kyle. Theres got to be more hope for the youth and others than playing football. Minutes . He was 76. Find out more. All rights reserved. Military Salute. Theyre not out there trying to get famous and have all the spotlight on them. 91. "So, I feel like I'm ready.". Thats what is powerful about the role that football plays in the community. Volunteer Help the coach manage this team. Thompson coached the Blue Devils from 1984-92, leading the small Palm Beach County team . "The people of Pahokee love football. Walter Boldin. High School: Pahokee (FL) Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 5, 2010 Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 7, 2010 Presenter: Tom Benson, New Orleans Saints Owner/President. Pahokee, one of Palm Beach County's most storied football programs, will be forced to vacate its Class 1A state championship due to the use of an ineligible player . Watch: Award-Winning 'The Rabbit Hunt' Short from Patrick Bresnan", "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990", "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades", "Reidel Anthony NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Anquan Boldin NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Rickey Jackson NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Eric Moore Past Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards - databaseFootball.com", "Alphonso Smith NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Antone Smith NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Fred Taylor NFL & AFL Football Statistics - Pro-Football-Reference.com", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Pahokee,_Florida&oldid=1141962336, Pahokee Elementary School, 560 East Main Place (grades pre-K5). If youre looking to watch online, many of the best live TV streaming services wont be able to help, as ESPN isnt providing a national TV broadcast for them to live stream. Having learned from that collaboration, theyve followed up with a doc that also has deeply personal meaning to Ira. With a 28-yard scoring scamper from Benjamin, the Blue Devils trimmed the Hornets' lead to 21-12 after a failed two-point conversion with 10:12 left to play. We had to raise like $10,000 and Bhawins parents helped put money in. [9] The name "Pahokee" means "grassy waters" in the Creek language. The match is available on ESPN+, however, which is ESPNs online streaming service, and which is the only place youll be able to watch the India vs Australia live stream online. "So, we wouldn't have to do the hard labor and that's what I've instilled in my kids as well.". The way Alvin mentored and cared about these young men was important to showthat masculinity can be expressed in many different ways. For every 100 females, there were 104.2 males. Thats why Im here. The team won five state championships in six years, from 2003-08, and in the past half-century has produced 25 professional players. Theres another side to this story that you were not showing. All Alvin does is spend time with his kids and his family. . K. E. Cunningham/Canal Point Elementary School, 37000 Main Street, Canal Point (grades K5). In the 1930s, it was known as the "Winter Vegetable Capital of the World".[11]. Then they had an AIDS epidemic. Thats South Florida, bro. They rescinded their request as the sheriff's office appealed to the public for help with the investigation. The Disney Bundle includes monthly subscriptions to Disney+ and Hulu, in addition to ESPN+, and starts at $13 per month. Pahokee, with a population around 6,000, has sent more than a dozen players to the NFL, including Rickey Jackson, Janoris Jenkins, and Fred Taylor. That was the partnership. Thompson's passions, in order, are his Christian beliefs, his family, football and sailing on Lake Okeechobee. It is currently located at 900 Larrimore Theyre rich in the land growing their own fruits and vegetables, fishing from that lake. But we also see how people have no hope. With its tradition of athletes as rich as that of its famous native soil, Pahokee has always been a contender. Having been stung before, they were wary when McKinleys film crews arrived. Milton, a fifth-year senior from Pahokee, took over the Vols quarterback duties after Hendon Hooker's season, and Heisman hopes, ended in late November when he tore the ACL in his left knee. Thats Alvin. "Me and Bhawin looked at each other and said, 'Yo, this team is special' and that was the very first game of their undefeated season," McKinleysaid. About a month after their 34-21 Citrus Bowl win, the Blue Devils were stripped of what wouldve been their seventh state title for fielding an ineligible player. I used to go there two times a year but never lived in that type of setting. Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. Thats when my family came up north [as migrant farmworkers]. They won a state championship. More: Three people shot, wounded during 'huge' block party in Pahokee after Muck Bowl, More: Man shot in Pahokee after annual Muck Bowl football game dies, sheriff's office says. Its really important for us that this film gets out there because people need to know about Pahokee. They had a crack epidemic. It seems the only way they can get that energy out is through sports and football. "The J.V. Everyone talks about how Black families are broken and men dont do anythingand its like, No. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. But Alvin did that with so much care for these young men, not judging them and not casting them away. I hope it sparks that for people that see the film. I didnt want to just go in there and start filming. Executive Producer Sam [Pollard] did a documentary about Hurston [2008s Zora Neal Hurston: Jump at the Sun for PBSs American Masters], but theres other films like After Sherman and Descendant that also talk about this. 2023 Independent Television Service (ITVS). Alumni include Jackson, Andre Waters of the Philadelphia Eagles, two in the Canadian Football League and at least 27 on college rosters around the country. [10] Local residents refer to Pahokee as "The Muck", which signifies the mineral-rich dark soil in which sugar cane, citrus fruits, and corn are grown by agribusinesses. Weve been on the festival circuit and doing community tours with the film, so weve been showing it to audiences in person. For a coach taking over a team that went 2-4 last season and lost to its archrival by 38 points . It was Jim Crow. . But even in the community, you couldnt find people who know who Zora Neal Hurston is, and the kids dont read her books. "We're showing you what happened. You come on down here, and you want to play down in this heat, [then] you got to recognize these boys play here. Please provide a valid email address to continue. Ira: The muck has always been about survival. Pahokee is a place where people care about each other. Teams AFC East: Bills, Dolphins, Patriots, Jets NFL . Pahokee football player heading to Ivy League school WPTV West Palm Beach, FL UP NEXT Football athletes sign with college programs during 2023 National Signing Period ABC 27 Tallahassee, FL. On the night he was killed, Gray and his mother were walking to meet with a group of people when two men approached and began shooting, deputies said. Enrollment: 71 (2016). 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