ALPHA ATHLETES - The Sphinx Magazine

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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- 60 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
Above: Brother John Woodruff. Photo courtesy of the University of Pittsburg Archives. Above: Brothers Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe in 100meter sprint at the 1934 AAU National Track & Field Championships. Photo courtesy of Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Marquette University Libraries. Below: Brother Eddie Tolan. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Archives photo. Above: Brother Andrew Stanfield. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Archives photo. The Sphinx: www.APA1906.net Fall • Winter 2008 61
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Page 7 and 8: onships while attending Seton Hall
Page 9 and 10: citizens home, known as Brookline,
Page 11 and 12: gave remarks and presented certific
Page 13 and 14: Louis community. The mission of CTO
Page 15 and 16: NU MU LAMBDA Decatur, GA Mentoring
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Page 21 and 22: Editor’s Note: Thirty-second Gene
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Page 37 and 38: GOING WHERE WE SHOULD BE Editor’s
Page 39 and 40: What scientists will also tell you
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Page 45 and 46: Success by Instinct: What Animals A
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CORPORATE DIRECTORY 110 The Seven J
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LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY ALPHA PHI ALPH
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NEW ORLEANS COME BACK TO THE BIG EA
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