University of Michigan Heritage Project

“Lonely As Hell”

In a forgotten series of interviews, black Michigan athletes of the past recalled times when racial lines in sports were firm—then faded.

Willis Ward.

The reality was so massive that all a person of good will could do was make token gestures.

– Willis Ward

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– Kurt Gray, from “Better Angel”

After coming out of the closet at 86, alumnus Forman Brown revealed he was the author of a groundbreaking novel about being young and gay at U-M.
In the Face of Fascists

^“Perhaps we are wrong, but, up to this point, I cannot believe it. If so, we are innocent offenders.^”
– President Alexander G. Ruthven

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The First Flu Shot

^“Incontrovertible evidence is now available that the resistance of man to infection by the viruses of influenza A and B can be enhanced.^”
– Tommy Francis and Jonas Salk

As World War II loomed, the military turned to U-M experts to fight a deadly enemy: Influenza

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