SHELBY — Twenty-four hours simply aren’t enough to recognize the life and legacy of the first Black professional American football player.
But “Charles Follis Day,” celebrated in Ohio annually on Feb. 3, presents a chance to encourage a day dedicated to acts of kindness.
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.
Each year the City of Shelby partners with the Charles Follis Foundation to celebrate the football pioneer’s life and legacy.
“A good portion of his (Follis’) prime years as an adult were spent with his football teammates, playing here in Shelby and across Ohio,” said Shelby Mayor Steve Schag.
“His beautiful life inspired, influenced and positively impacted all he met on his earthly journey,” the mayor said.
‘He made this a better place’
A 6-foot, 200-pound star, Follis attended Wooster High School and helped establish in 1899 the first varsity football team.
By 1902, the Black Cyclone’s pro career had taken off with the Shelby Blues.
“Historic accounts tell us that somewhere, most likely in the Shelby community, young Charles signed a football contract that would pave the way for men and women of color for decades to come,” Schag said.
“I am humbled to think that Charles Follis walked our streets and graced our city not only with his football prowess, but also his demonstration off the field of a man that carried himself with Christian character.”
Several historians and football fanatics have written about the Follis before, including Richland Source managing editor Larry Phillips, who had a chapter on the icon in his book “Ohio’s Autumn Legends Volume I.“
Follis tragically died in 1910 of pneumonia.
“He made this a better place by his exemplary actions and reactions,” Schag said. “All of Ohio needs to hear the story of this humble young man who changed the world around him, the Charles Follis way.
“On Feb. 3, 2025, let’s remind ourselves that individually, we can be world changers. We are the power of one!”
(Below is a video of Charles Follis’ great nephew, Herman Smith, discussing a nonfiction novel chronicling Follis’ life experiences. The book was authored by Herman, along with his brother Duane and retired journalist Ralph Paulk.)
The power of one
In 2021, Follis’ great nephews Duane and Herman Smith founded the Charles Follis Foundation, based in Columbus.
Last year, Herman told Richland Source 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) was to give back to those in the communities that are less fortunate,” Herman said last February.
“We felt that the foundation would be able to help those individuals succeed and overcome any obstacle out there.”
Herman said moving forward, the “power of one” is a theme to associate with the annual rememberance of Follis.
“No disdain, anger, nor negativity toward anyone,” he 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.”