This digital story recording was created in conjunction with the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street program and its Stories from Main Street student documentary initiative, called "Stories: Yes." The project encourages students and their mentors to research and record stories about small-towns and rural neighborhoods, waterways, personal memories, cultural traditions, work histories, as well as thoughts about American democracy. These documentaries are then shared on Smithsonian websites and social media.
Gabriel Mangus was born with spina bifida but is actively involved with his football team. Greyson, Gabriel's brother, describes how Gabriel scored the game-winning touchdown during his team's last game of the season. This story was filmed, edited, and produced by Southside High School EAST program students, in partnership with Old Independence Regional Museum, to celebrate the traveling exhibition Hometown Teams. Brason Allen was the film's editor and Greyson Mangus narrated the story.
Greyson Mangus (00:04): Gabriel Mangus has been a football fanatic his entire life, and he's always wanted to be on a football team. But he has a tough time playing football considering he was born with a disability called spina bifida. His teammates have named him and the honorary team captain.
Greyson Mangus (00:24): For the final home game of the season, Gaby got to run his first touchdown and won the game. And though he was worried as he was going out onto the field that he wasn't going to, he was going to mess up or whatever, whatever he was going through his brain, all his teammates assured him that they had his back.
Greyson Mangus (00:51): I just remember him coming back. He was so excited. He said, "Dude, that was awesome." Actually, I'm pretty sure he was crying, couldn't tell because I definitely was. But just seeing how these people, these ordinary people made this little boy's life brighter.
Asset ID: 2021.11.01
