When I Passed the Statue of Liberty I Became Black

"Harry Edward was a hugely talented athlete and an extraordinary man who fought all his life for justice and fairness in the face of repeated prejudice. His story is as powerful today as it was when he lived it and I urge everyone to read this book."-Linford Christie, 1992 Olympic 100m ChampionThe lost memoir of Britain's first Black Olympic medal winner-and the America he discoveredAfter winning Olympic medals for Britain in 1920, Harry Edward (1898-1973) decided to try his luck in America. The country he found was full of thrilling opportunity and pervasive racism.Immensely capable and energetic, Harry rubbed shoulders with kings and presidents, was influential in the revival of Black theatre during the Harlem Renaissance, and became a passionate humanitarian and advocate for child welfare. He was present at some of the twentieth century's most significant moments, worked alongside W. E. B. Du Bois and Orson Welles, and witnessed two world wars and the civil rights movement. Yet he was frustrated at almost every turn.Toward the end of his life he set down his story, crafting this memoir of athletics and activism, race and racism on both sides of the Atlantic. His manuscript went unpublished until now. This is the deeply engaging tale of Edward's life-and a moving testament to his drive to form a better world.

Product details

• Authors: Harry Edward
• Assisted by: Neil Duncanson (Editor), Duncanson Neil (Editor)
• Publisher: Yale University Press Ltd
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.02.2024
• EAN: 9780300270976
• ISBN: 978-0-300-27097-6
• No. of pages: 304
• Dimensions: 164 mm x 241 mm x 28 mm
• Subjects: Fiction > Narrative literature > Letters, diaries; Non-fiction book; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Sports, 20th Century, Memoirs, Social & cultural history, 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000, Political activism, 20th century, c 1900 to c 1999, Theatre Studies, history of sport, Social discrimination & inequality, Social and cultural history, Ethnic minorities & multicultural studies, Track & Field Sports, Athletics, Track and field sports, athletics, HISTORY / African American & Black, Olympic & Paralympic games, Olympic and Paralympic games, Political activism / Political engagement, Racism and racial discrimination / Anti-racism, BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / African American & Black