The Paris Olympics have been an exhibition of Black excellence. From Coco Gauff making history as the youngest flag bearer for the US to Harvard student Lauren Scruggs becoming the first Black woman from the United States to earn an individual medal in a women’s fencing event, the triumphs of Black athletes are being celebrated on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
The family of DeHart Hubbard, the first Black American to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics is ensuring that the long tradition of Black achievement is not forgotten. Through the DeHart Hubbard Legacy Group, they are telling his story and honoring his groundbreaking achievements.
Hubbard won the long jump at the 1924 Paris Games, becoming the first Black athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal. His leap of 24-feet-5-inches comfortably outpaced the opposition. A versatile multi-event competitor, he was not allowed to compete in some events at the 1924 Olympics because he was African American. Hubbard also represented the U.S. in the triple jump in 1924 and the long jump at the 1928 Olympics.
Despite his achievements, Hubbard did not receive the same fanfare as his fellow Olympic Champions.
“The reception that he received was – he did get a parade, but he just didn’t receive the same fanfare. He didn’t receive the same benefits that some of the other athletes that came back from abroad – he wasn’t held on high in the same way. There are articles that even refer to him as the Dusty Demon,” Maahra Hill, Hubbard’s great-grandfather told NPR.
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During his collegiate career at the University of Michigan, Hubbard won the NCAA Championships in the long jump in 1923 and 1925. He won six consecutive AAU long jump titles from 1922 to 1927 and was AAU triple jump champion in 1922 and 1923. In 1925, Hubbard tied the world indoor record in the 60-yard dash and tied the world outdoor standard in the 100-yard dash.
Hubbard died in Cleveland in 1976, his groundbreaking achievements not known to many. His descendants, Maahra Hill, Kristin Gyimah, and Shani Harris co-founded the DeHart Hubbard Legacy Group to honor and celebrate his legacy. They intend to increase awareness of not only his athletic accomplishments but also his broader contributions to the world. By showcasing the qualities that made him a trailblazer, they hope to inspire future generations.
The legacy group started out as documentary project in 2021. However, when the family looked further Hubbard’s life, they realized it was significant to share his story with more people. The documentary grew into a multifaceted initiative to educate and inspire others. The DeHart Hubbard Legacy Group plans on launching several projects including children’s books, narrative films, and other endeavors.
“It started with us wanting to tell his story because we felt there was a missing part of history. He was such an inspiration to so many that came after him, and as a family, we’ve been inspired by him and are so proud to honor his legacy,” Maahra Hill said about the creation of the DeHart Hubbard Legacy Group.
