Last Updated on October 6, 2024
Resident Eugenia High reviews Olympic Pride, American Prejudice: The Untold Story of 18 African Americans Who Defied Jim Crow and Adolf Hitler to Compete in the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Deborah Riley Draper, Travis Thrasher and Blair Underwood [New York: Atria Books, 2020] on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7 PM in the Auditorium.
This book documents the untold story of 18 African Americans who competed in the Berlin Olympics. Over40 hours of extensive research, including interviews with surviving family members of the athletes, newspaper articles from that period, film and photographs from the Games and additional research provided documentation.
Most people are familiar with the name of Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals at the Olympics. This book incorporates information about the lives and achievements of the other 17 African American athletes who went to Berlin to participate in those games. Examples of their struggles, challenges and triumphs are presented.
In this country during the 1930’s African Americans frequently faced racism, segregation and limited opportunities for economic and social advancement. There was also conflict about whether American Jews and Black athletes should even go to the Games. Some newspapers and organizations urged a boycott of the games.
The athletes had no idea what would confront them in Germany where Chancellor Hitler and the Nazis had proclaimed the superiority of the Aryan race; however, they were welcomed by many German people who were curious and wanted an autograph. At the Olympic Games there were political and controversial decisions which adversely affected participation in some of the games.
The17 athletes other than Jesse Owens won a total of 10 medals. When they returned to the U.S. they received very little formal recognition for their efforts. This narrative celebrates the courage, commitment and accomplishments of these talented athletes and their impact on race, sports and inclusion around the world.
Author Deborah Riley Draper is an award-winning writer and director. Travis Thrasher has written over 50 books in different genres. Blair Underwood, actor, director, producer, narrated the film version of the documentary.
Resident Eugenia High has an A.B. degree in Sociology from Morgan State College and is actively involved in Channel 972 presentations and other Charlestown projects.