Harry Edward

Harry Francis Vincent Edward, born on April 15, 1898, was a remarkable figure in athletics and literature, known for his groundbreaking achievements as a sprinter. He made history in 1920 by becoming Britain's first black Olympian and the first black athlete to win Olympic medals, securing bronze in both the 100 and 200 meters at the Summer Olympics in Antwerp. Unfortunately, an injury during the 200 meters final forced him to withdraw from the 4 × 100 meters relay.

Raised in Berlin by German and Dominican parents, Edward was classified as a British subject due to his father's nationality. His life took a tumultuous turn during the First World War when he was imprisoned for nearly four years in a civilian detention camp from 1915 to 1918. Following his release, he migrated to the United Kingdom, where he established himself in London, competing in athletics until 1922.

In 1923, Edward received an invitation to compete at Yankee Stadium, which led him to emigrate to the United States. After spending some time in Philadelphia, he settled in New York City, where he became an integral part of the Harlem Renaissance, engaging with its vibrant political and cultural scene. Throughout his career, he worked for the City of New York and volunteered for the United Nations.

Later in life, Edward penned a memoir titled 'When I Passed the Statue of Liberty I Became Black,' reflecting on his experiences across the Atlantic. This poignant work was rediscovered among his papers by British writer and filmmaker Neil Duncanson in the twenty-first century and is set to be published by Yale University Press in 2024.