Black History Month 2026
Honoring Influential Black Americans
Woody Strode
(1914–1994) Athlete • Actor • Trailblazer
Woody Strode was a Los Angeles–born athlete and actor whose excellence redefined Black representation in sports and film. At UCLA, he starred in both track and football alongside Jackie Robinson and Kenny Washington, helping break racial barriers in collegiate athletics. He later became one of the first Black players in the modern NFL before achieving international acclaim for his commanding film performances, including his groundbreaking lead role in Sergeant Rutledge.
Quick Facts
Born: July 25, 1914 — Los Angeles, CA
Died: December 31, 1994
- UCLA football & track standout
- Member of UCLA’s “Gold Dust Gang”
- First Black NFL players (LA Rams, 1946)
- Notable films: Spartacus, Sergeant Rutledge, The Man Who Shot Liberty