Featured Video: Alpha Athletes at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany are the subject of this historical footage that highlights the accomplishments of Alpha Olympic Athletes Jesse Owens, Ralph Metcalfe, Cornelius Johnson, Dave Albritton, John Woodruff and others. Above, Jesse Owens is pictured before the start of a race at the Berlin Games.

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Brothers Jesse Owens and Ralph Metcalfe in 100-meter sprint at the 1934 AAU National Track & Field Championships. Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Marquette University Libraries photo.

Brother Eddie Tolan. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Archives photo

Fall - Winter 2008

Alpha Phi Alpha and the Olympic Games:
A 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

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.