This is the story of Sidney Blanks, a Texas football legend, NFL running back, Lone Star Conference Hall of Famer, Texas Black Sports Hall of Famer, the hero of Del Rio, told by his granddaughter: me, Riley Blanks.
Sidney, known to me as Big Sid or Sugar Bear, developed Parkinson's in his early fifties and developed dementia shortly after. He and I recently road tripped from Austin to New Orleans and finally Daytona Beach. I took care of him, administering his medicine and helping him with the daily activities of his life.
I shot this video on our last morning in New Orleans. I had finished packing the car, checking us out of the hotel and changing him into his favorite outfit. He was sitting in front of the television watching ‘Pearl Harbor’ (again). Exhausted and filled with emotion. I looked at my camera, and I thought about the power of media, his story and my voice. I set up my equipment, pressed play and, well…
More info: rileyblanks.com