William DeHart Hubbard: Trailblazin'
DeHart Hubbard from Cincinnati, Ohio, was the first Black athlete to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics, in Paris 2024, for the long jump.
As excitement builds for the 2024 Paris Olympics, it's the perfect time to share the story of William DeHart Hubbard, the first Black athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal. His journey to the top is as inspiring today as it was 100 years ago.
Born in Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, on November 25, 1903, William DeHart Hubbard was the first of eight children. His middle name honored Andrew DeHart, principal of the Frederick Douglass School.
This name, which DeHart commonly went by, reflected his community's respect for education. From a young age, his athletic talent was apparent. He was the fastest runner at Frederick Douglass School, and his reputation for speed and agility only grew as he moved on to Walnut Hills High School.
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When college time came, DeHart was the beneficiary of an unusual scholarship opportunity. A Cincinnati newspaper ran a contest offering scholarships to the top high school students who brought in the most new subscriptions.
Thanks to a campaign by a University of Michigan alum, DeHart secured his place among the winners, earning his own spot at Michigan.
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At the University of Michigan, DeHart quickly made his mark, dominating the Big Ten in sprints and the long jump. His athletic feats were extraordinary, but his journey to the 1924 Paris Olympics was even more so.
Determined to make history, he wrote to his mother from the ship to France, promising, “I’m going to do my best to be the FIRST COLORED OLYMPIC CHAMPION.”
True to his word, he won the gold medal in the long jump, becoming the first Black athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal.
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Returning to Michigan, DeHart continued to break records. He set a world record in the long jump and tied the world record in the 100-yard dash. Despite the racial discrimination he faced, DeHart’s resolve only strengthened, and he used these challenges as motivation.
After graduating in 1927, DeHart married Marion Monroe and began a career dedicated to public service. He became the supervisor of the Department of Colored Work for the Cincinnati Public Recreation Commission, a position he held until 1941. During this time, he managed Valley Homes, a housing project in Lincoln Heights, which was the largest self-governing Black community in the country.
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In 1942, DeHart moved to Cleveland, where he served as a race relations adviser for the Federal Housing Authority until his retirement in 1969. His work in both cities demonstrated his commitment to improving Black lives through public service and community development.
DeHart's achievements weren't limited to track and field. He was an avid bowler and served as president of the National Bowling Association in the 1950s.
He also founded the Cincinnati Tigers, a professional baseball team in the Negro American League, showcasing his dedication to promoting sports in the Black community.
DeHart’s contributions to sports were recognized when he was inducted into the National Track Hall of Fame in 1957 and posthumously into the University of Michigan Hall of Honor in 1979.
His legacy lives on through the William DeHart Hubbard Scholarship Fund, established in 2010 by the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi, Incorporated, PHI Chapter, at the University of Michigan.
William DeHart Hubbard’s story is one of breaking barriers and setting records. His achievements paved the way for future generations of athletes, proving that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.
His life is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact one individual can have on both sports and society.
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Sources:
https://thevoiceofblackcincinnati.com/william-dehart-hubbard/
https://kentakepage.com/william-dehart-hubbard-the-first-african-american-to-win-an-olympic-gold-medal-in-an-individual-event/
https://www.clevelandsportshall.com/hubbard-dehart/
https://www.olympedia.org/athletes/78579
https://www.nlbpa.com/the-negro-league-teams/cincinnati-tigers