Jack Cloud: Cherokee Indian College Football Player from 1948
The Page from the November 1948 issue of Sportfolio features 23-year-old Jack Cloud, an athlete with a notable background. His father is identified as a Cherokee Indian, while his mother has Scotch-Irish roots. Jack Cloud was born in Britton, Oklahoma, which underscores a connection to both Native American heritage and the broader American cultural landscape. The image depicts Cloud walking confidently, dressed in a coat and holding books, suggesting a dual focus on athletics and education. This emphasis reflects the intersection of sports and academic pursuits during this era, particularly for Indigenous athletes. The context of 1940s American sports highlights the struggles and achievements of athletes from diverse backgrounds, paving the way for future generations.