ALPHA ATHLETES - The Sphinx Magazine

Brother Harold Sims, former National Urban League
Deputy Executive Director, articulated the above sentiment
in his 1996 Sphinx article, entitled “Triumph at
Atlanta: The Legacy of Alpha Phi Alpha and the Modern
Olympic Games,” while examining the role of athletes and the
African American community at the turn of the 20th century.
History illustrates that whenever African Americans are
given an equal opportunity to succeed, we thrive and excel; and
when we look back at some of the obstacles that had to be overcome
in the struggle for freedom and equality, Alpha Brothers
were in the forefront. This is exemplified by Brother W.E.B. Du
Bois spearheading the need for education and self-determination;
by Brother Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. leading the Civil
Rights Movement; and by Brothers Charles Hamilton Houston
and Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall dismantling the
doctrine of “separate but equal.”
This impulse to lead also extends to science where Brother
Herman Branson was the co-discoverer of the Alpha helix; and to
military service where Jewel Vertner Woodson Tandy was the first
black American to pass the military commissioning exam and
Brother Samuel L. Gravely was the first African American to command
a U.S. Navy ship. It also extends to countless Alpha musicians
and Brothers elected to serve in government.
History also highlights a parallel between African American
successes in the sports arena and Alpha Phi Alpha’s leadership in
athletics. Early African Americans excelled as jockeys when introduced
to horse racing; became celebrated champions after entering
the boxing ring and putting on the gloves; and excelled in baseball
when introduced to “America’s favorite sports pastime.” Added
to those sports accomplishments is the fact that many of the pio-
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ALPHA PHI ALPHA AND
THE OLYMPIC GAMES:
POLITICALLY-CHARGED GLOBAL-PROVING GROUND FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS
As the black American began his road back from the reverses suffered in the 19th century
the world of international sports became his first global proving ground. In this arena,
professional boxing and Olympic track and field events became a rallying force for racial pride
and inspiration. During its period of greatest challenges, Alphamen led the way in achieving
competitive glory for the nation as well as racial pride for black America.
—Brother Harold Rudolph Sims
By Michael J. Myers II
Fall • Winter 2008 The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net
neering athletes who won Olympic medals for the United States in
the early 20th century were members of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Although a complete list of all the Fraternity’s members who
participated in the Olympic Games is not available, this article cites
some of Alpha Phi Alpha’s most noted Olympic medalists—who
often scored victories in politically-charged climates that surrounded
the competitions.
Early Olympic Athletes
The first Olympic competition in which an Alpha Phi Alpha
Brother is known to have competed was the 1924 Summer
Olympics in Paris, France. The choice of the French capital as host
of the Games was not a smooth affair. The memory of the debacle
at the 1900 Olympic Games in Paris prevented many International
Olympic Committee members from initially submitting their full
support, opting instead for either Los Angeles or Amsterdam. It was
in this atmosphere that Brother Edward “Ned” Orval Gourdin competed
in the Games.
After completing his exams at Harvard University Law School,
Brother Gourdin traveled to Paris for the Olympics as a favorite in
the broad jump competition. He captured the silver medal in the
event. Although Brother Gourdin had previously cleared 25 feet, his
long jump at the Olympics was only 23 feet, 10 inches, giving him
second place. In an ironic twist, Brother Gourdin accomplished a
long jump of 25 feet, 8 inches at an exhibition the day after the
Olympic final; however, it never counted as a world record because
the jump occurred at a non-sanctioned event.
The 1928 Summer Olympic Games took place in tranquil
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, a region that would not again experience
this state of being for another 20 to 25 years following wars