Explore rare historical photographs, letters, and archival materials that inspired Gridiron Diaspora — many of which are featured throughout this page.

GRIDIRON DIASPORA — A GROUNDBREAKING STORY IN THE MAKING

Gridiron Diaspora is more than a documentary — it is an act of cultural restoration.

The film uncovers the untold story of Henry McDonald, a Haitian-born athlete who became one of the earliest Black professional football players in America, before the NFL, and among the first of Haitian descent.

Through Henry’s journey, the project examines the broader history of Black and Haitian presence in American football — from the early 1900s to today — while confronting the silence that erased many of these stories from public memory.

Produced by Lighthouse Stories LLC, Gridiron Diaspora is a Haitian-led documentary grounded in historical research, family testimony, and archival discovery.

LATEST HIGHLIGHTS

• Fiscal sponsorship secured through From The Heart Productions (501(c)(3) nonprofit)
  

• Grant applications submitted to leading institutions, including Sundance Institute, ITVS, NEH, Catapult Film Fund, and others
  

• Outreach and conversations underway with Haitian NFL players, coaches, and historians
  

• University and public media outreach in progress, including early conversations with PBS affiliates and academic partners

For press inquiries or to download the full media kit, please contact:
lighthousestoriesllc@gmail.com