Black On Campus
Higher Education and the African American Experience

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday: Edward Orval Gourdin

October 20th, 2009 by Ajuan Mance

edward-orval-gourdin

Edward Orval Gourdin (1897 – 1966). A graduate of the Harvard class of  1921 (LL.B., 1924), Gourdin was a senior and a star on the University track team when he set the world record in the broad jump. He went on to compete in the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he would win a silver in this, his signature event. Eventually he would be appointed a U.S. Attorney (under FDR), and later a judge.

Posted by Ajuan Mance

Posted in African American Students, African Americans, Black athletes, Black History, Black Students, Harvard University, Higher Education, race

5 Responses

  1. Stan

    People like this are amazing. Considering the obstacles he faced, he was an uncommonly strong and determined person.

  2. Sukhmandir Kaur

    He made a very significant leap in history 😉 Happy WW

  3. Villager

    Happy WW! Thank you for sharing OURstory via this weekly meme!

    Do any of you remember the original Godfather of Rap? I invite your blog readers to spend a moment reflecting on the genius of Gil Scott-Heron.

    peace, Villager

  4. Chas III

    Outstanding athlete and scholar. Excellent example of an Alpha.

  5. william tatum

    I WILL UNVEIL A GOURDIN BUST
    IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA IN
    THE FALL OF 2011 PLEASE
    ADVISE ALL THOSE WHO CARE
    TO SEE WEBSITE ALSO INVOLVED
    IN HAITIAN RELIEF.

    WILLIAM TATUM