Breaking Barriers: Lessons Learned from Trailblazing Alabama Football Player Ralph Stokes Artwork

Here's What We Know

Authentic Conversations. Intriguing Guests. Time Well Spent. Gary Scott Thomas’ “Here’s What We Know” podcast will entertain you, enlighten you, and even possibly inspire you! Listen each week as Gary Scott Thomas engages guests in unscripted conversations where he’ll be just as surprised as you will be with how the talk turns out. So, join him each week and be privy to the captivating conversations that are sure to ensue.

Conversations include interviews with Country Music artists, professionals, professional athletes, authors and more.

All Episodes

Here's What We Know

Breaking Barriers: Lessons Learned from Trailblazing Alabama Football Player Ralph Stokes

June 21, 2023 • Gary Scott Thomas • Season 1 • Episode 134

Send us a text

Growing up in a segregated Alabama, Ralph Stokes never imagined he would play for the University of Alabama. But when his all-black high school closed down, he found himself in a predominantly white school, facing challenges of integration. Through perseverance, teamwork, and respect, Ralph became a trailblazing athlete, carving out a path for future generations. This episode explores the lessons learned from Ralph's journey and how his experiences prepared him for life beyond football. Join us as we delve into the unexpected twists and turns of Ralph's story and discover how he transformed adversity into opportunity.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Discover valuable lessons from a pioneering football player's journey
Understand the crucial role of respect in fostering successful team dynamics
Learn how to rise above discrimination and setbacks through respectful dialogue
Uncover how to apply football-derived strategies to excel in business and entrepreneurship
Gain insight into effective goal setting and teamwork inspired by collegiate athletics

This episode is sponsored by:
Dignity Memorial
Reed Animal Hospital

About Ralph Stokes:
Ralph Stokes is a former University of Alabama running back who made history as part of the first black recruiting class. His incredible personal journey serves as a testament to the power of determination, integrity, and the unwavering drive to succeed against all odds. From his early days playing football at Booker T. Washington High School in Montgomery, Alabama, to joining the historically white Robert E. Lee High School, Ralph's story showcases the lessons learned on and off the field that continue to inspire countless others. As a respected executive in the golf industry, Ralph demonstrates that with resilience and dedication, anything is possible.

Check out Ralph Stokes' book One of the First and consider sharing it with others.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-stokes-01b73526/
https://www.amazon.com/One-First-Overcoming-Challenges-Integration-ebook/dp/B098LP8QJY

Connect with Gary:

Thank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!