COLUMBUS – The message portrayed by Charles Follis is ingrained in Herman Smith’s bloodline.
Smith, co-founder and COO of the Charles Follis Foundation, is a great-nephew of America’s first Black professional football player.
Also known as the “Black Cyclone,” Follis began his professional career in 1902 when he signed with the Shelby Blues, who competed in the Ohio League from 1900-1919.
Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich in 2018 signed legislation approved by the General Assembly selecting Feb. 3 “Charles Follis Day,” to honor the 6-foot, 200-pound star who attended Wooster High School and helped establish the first varsity football team in 1899.
“As a family, we’ve lived this story all our lives,” Smith said. “It’s very emotional for us because, this story, we’ve been waiting so long to get it out to the world.”
Bringing Follis’ legacy to the forefront
In fall 2023, Smith, along with brother Duane and retired journalist Ralph Paulk, published “Follis: Greatness Transcends,” a nonfiction novel chronicling Follis’ life experiences.
Several historians and football fanatics have written about the “Black Cyclone” before, including Richland Source editor Larry Phillips who had a chapter on Follis in his book Ohio’s Autumn Legends Volume I, but it was important for Follis’ family to share their message, Smith said.
“Charles (Follis) didn’t have any kids, so that’s why it’s so significant,” he said. “We’re releasing this book now because we stem from the tree of Charles’ younger brother Joe.”
Work to keep Follis’ legacy alive includes efforts involving the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Ohio politicians and other individuals in the Columbus area, Smith said.
“Most people, even in Ohio, which is shocking, don’t know about Charles,” he said. “So we want to bring that (story) to the forefront, especially during Black History Month.”
Charles Follis Foundation continues the spirit of giving
In 2021, the Smith brothers founded the Charles Follis Foundation, based out of Columbus.
The foundation’s mission is “to preserve and share the captivating legacy of Charles Follis,” while supporting organizations “that embody the same qualities of courage, strength and endurance” Follis exemplified.
Education, music and sport are the three pillars the foundation seeks to help succeed.
Smith said it’s important to make sure other areas, besides football, are addressed through the foundation’s efforts.
“Throughout the time he (Follis) was on this Earth, and even still up to this day, (his goal) is to give back to those in the communities that are less fortunate,” Smith said.
“We felt that the foundation would be able to help those individuals succeed and overcome any obstacle out there.”
‘Power of one’
“Charles Follis Day” presents an opportunity to encourage 24 hours dedicated to acts of kindness.
The “power of one” is a theme Smith said he’d like to see incorporated into the annual remembrance of Follis.
“No disdain, anger, nor negativity toward anyone,” Smith said.
“The power of one is the ability to recognize that one act – one act of kindness, a gesture of appreciation, one civic service, one gift or opportunity extended to those less fortunate, and so forth, to help someone dream beyond their circumstances.
“By the power of one, we can overcome any obstacle.”
Local ties lead to new relationships
After growing up hearing stories about Follis at the dinner table, Smith can now get in his car and drive to physical landmarks honoring his great-uncle around the state.
In September, 2020, the city of Shelby renamed Central Avenue to “Charles Follis Way.”
“That’s what the beauty of all this is now,” Smith said.
“Charles unfortunately isn’t able to see it. But through our eyes, the family, he is being able to take notice of all his hard work and adversities, now being paid off and society recognizing all his hard work.”
Follis tragically died in 1910 of pneumonia. Shelby mayor Steve Schag said he was “one of the finest citizens that ever lived in the city of Shelby.”
“He was an outstanding athlete who left behind a legacy of faith, fortitude and stellar character,” Schag said.
“I encourage everyone to do an online search of Charles Follis to discover the marvelous
story that revolves around this remarkable figure.”
Another Shelby relationship Smith looks forward to continuing is with Shelby Police Sgt. Aaron Bushey.
Bushey’s great-grandfather, Dave Bushey, was a teammate and fellow Shelby Blues running-back with Follis in the early 1900s.
“I have a personal relationship that I’m going to be establishing with Dave Bushey’s great-grandson,” Smith said. “It’s kind of the right timing.”
“The way the world is and society is today, the timing couldn’t be better for now, for this story to be brought forth to the masses. Because the acceptance, diversity and inclusion, and all these types of things that are going on now, it is just perfect timing for this to happen.”